November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM), which was created by BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) in 2015. 2024 is its 10th anniversary! Indigenous peoples in Canada face much higher rates of disability compared to the general population. IDAM acknowledges the barriers faced by Indigenous people with disabilities and their families, while acknowledging their achievements and many contributions to their communities.

It is important to us that the role we play within the disability community and the programs and projects we deliver are not complacent in perpetuating systems of discrimination and oppression. DABC will be attending the upcoming Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering organized by BCANDS/Indigenous Disability Canada, and we are excited to learn and collaborate with others on ways to remove barriers for Indigenous people with disabilities.

To learn more about BCANDS/IDC, IDAM and the Disability and Wellness Gathering, visit: https://www.bcands.bc.ca/ and https://www.indigenousdisabilitygathering.com/.