CLBC is pleased to join our partners and government in recognizing Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) in November. The month highlights and celebrates the unique contributions First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with disabilities make to communities throughout the province.
You can read the official B.C. Government proclamation here.
Strengthening relationships with Indigenous individuals, families and communities is a top priority for Community Living BC as we work to make sure our approaches and services reflect and respect Indigenous cultures and values.
CLBC’s new Indigenous team led by Joanne Mills, Executive Director of Indigenous Relations, is working to help advance CLBC’s goals to build trusting relationships with Indigenous communities. They are improving awareness of CLBC and available supports and services among Indigenous Peoples and communities and increasing CLBC staff understanding about Indigenous Peoples’ history and culture.
CLBC is also inviting Elders in B.C. to join a new Indigenous Elder Advisory group. Elder Advisory Members will play an important role in helping CLBC understand what’s important to Indigenous people living with diverse abilities and guiding CLBC’s work to develop Indigenous strategies. You can find the invitation on the CLBC website here.
The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) first created the Indigenous Disability Awareness Month in 2015. On this seventh year of recognizing the month, BCANDS is encouraging people and organizations to show their support for IDAM by proclaiming the month and / or hosting a virtual event. They will also be offering a webinar series during the month. Click here to learn more on the BCANDS website.
During November, you can search for and follow the hashtag #IDAM2021 on social media to find posts about the month, including on CLBC’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
We hope you will join us in recognizing this important month in communities across B.C.
