“Indigenous peoples of Canada experience a disability rate significantly higher than that of the general population. Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) brings awareness of these barriers and the issues that Indigenous peoples living with disabilities and their families face every day. More importantly though, despite these barriers, IDAM celebrates the achievements of Indigenous peoples living with disabilities and recognizes the significant and valuable contributions they make to our communities socially, economically, and culturally every day.” (BCANDS)
IDAM was created by British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) in 2015 and has been declared and recognized by the Provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the Assembly of First Nations, BC First Nations Summit, Métis Nation of BC, Council of Yukon First Nations, the Town of Inuvik, and many organizations and communities in Canada. On June 13, 2024 the Goverment of Alberta declared November Indigenous Disability Awareness Month.
Autism Society Alberta recognizes the barriers faced by Indigenous peoples with disabilities and the valuable contributions they make in the world. We stand with the community as we celebrate this month with them.
