What is Canada Indigenous Disability Awareness Month?
Created by the Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (IDC/BCANDS) in November 2015, Canadian Indigenous Disability Awareness Month is an annual observance held in November of every year.
IDC/BCANDS initiated the development of this awareness month by engaging with the government of British Columbia, the First Nations Summit, and the Métis Nation of British Columbia for their endorsement and recognition.
In 2017, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recommended that Canada officially proclaim and recognize Indigenous Disability Awareness Month nationally on an annual basis.
Its main goals are to:
- Highlight the significant contributions of disabled Indigenous people (First Nation, Inuit, Métis).
- Promote inclusivity and accessibility for disabled Indigenous individuals.
- Acknowledge the unique challenges and barriers that are faced by disabled Indigenous people.
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month serves as a platform to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and work towards a more accessible and equitable society for Indigenous persons with disabilities in Canada.
History of Significant Events
- British Columbia: In 2015, the government of British Columbia became the first province to officially proclaim November as Indigenous Disability Awareness Month.
- Assembly of First Nations (AFN): In 2016, the AFN officially recognized and proclaimed the month through a resolution passed at an AFN Chiefs Assembly.
- Saskatchewan: The government of Saskatchewan officially recognized and declared IDAM in 2016.
- Manitoba: In 2021, Manitoba officially recognized and proclaimed the month.
In 2021, several Canadian capital cities officially recognized and proclaimed Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, including:
- Victoria
- Edmonton
- Regina
- St. John's
- Halifax
- Fredericton
- Toronto
- Ottawa (the Nation's Capital)
Why is Canada Indigenous Disability Awareness Month Important?
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month plays a unique role in global disability awareness initiatives since it is believed to be the only Indigenous disability-specific recognized observance globally.
This underscores the importance of addressing the specific challenges faced by disabled Indigenous people and celebrating their contributions to society.
This month is critical for:
- Highlighting the valuable social, economic, and cultural contributions made by disabled Indigenous persons in Canada.
- Celebrating the incredible resilience, strength, and rich cultural diversity within Indigenous communities.
It also highlights the unique barriers and challenges faced by Indigenous individuals with disabilities, as Indigenous people in Canada experience a disability rate significantly higher than that of the general population.
IDAM also focuses on initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible society for Indigenous persons with disabilities.
The Canadian government, for example, is working on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
This act will include measures to ensure equality rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities are respected in government programs, policies, and services.
How to Participate in Canada Indigenous Disability Awareness Month?
To get involved and promote inclusivity during Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM), there are several actionable steps individuals can take:
- Participate in Events: Attend local IDAM events organized by Indigenous organizations or disability advocacy groups.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organizations like the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) or similar local groups.
- Donate: Consider making financial contributions to organizations that support Indigenous persons with disabilities.
- Self-Education: Take the initiative to learn about the unique experiences and challenges faced by Indigenous individuals with disabilities.
- Share Knowledge: Use social media platforms to share information about IDAM and its importance.
- Support Indigenous-led Initiatives: Follow and amplify the voices of Indigenous disability advocates and organizations on social media.
Resources for Canada Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
YMHC is dedicated to supporting disabled Indigenous individuals across Canada through a variety of resources, including:
- Mental Wellness Booklets: Indigenous individuals can receive a free copy of our mental wellness booklets. Contact us for a code. You'll need to provide the Indigenous organization you are affiliated with.
- Support Services: We offer a variety of free support services to support males living with mental health challenges. These services include peer support programs and our daily messages of support. They also include our heart-to-heart campaign, which sends hearts to students who are struggling to attend school due to mental health or disability-related challenges.
- Training Courses: We offer training courses for mental health and educational professionals. Every Indigenous professional who registers for a training course will receive a box of mental wellness workbooks as a donation.
Share these resources with your friends and loved ones to encourage them to participate in these initiatives during Canada Indigenous Disability Awareness Month.