November 17, 2025
The month of November is recognized as Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM), an initiative launched in 2015 by the Indigenous Disability Canada/British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). This pioneering initiative not only celebrates the strength, leadership, and accomplishments of Indigenous people with disabilities in Canada, but also raises awareness of the barriers they continue to face and the resilience they show in overcoming them.
At DAWN Canada, this month holds deep meaning for us. IDAM sits at the intersection of Indigeneity, disability, and gender justice – the very foundation of our mission and the pillars that drive our work. It reminds us why we continue to advocate for disabled women and gender-diverse people, including those who are Indigenous.
As we mark IDAM, we do so with gratitude for the leaders, community members, and organizations working tirelessly to remove barriers and advance inclusion for Indigenous people with disabilities. We see your dedication and the impact of your efforts to create change through listening, learning, and collaboration.
In joining the many organizations, groups, and individuals celebrating IDAM, we extend a heartfelt invitation to Indigenous women and gender-diverse people living with disabilities to connect with us. Your voices and lived experiences are vital in guiding our path forward. Together, we can shape the conversations that uplift your stories and drive the actions needed to create lasting change.
Together, we can continue building a future rooted in inclusion, equity, and justice for all.
With gratitude and respect.
To learn more about joining the DAWN Canada network, please contact Evelyn Huntjens: indigenousinitiatives@dawncanada.net, Director of Indigenous Initiatives.
