Ottawa| June 20, 2025 – DAWN (DisAbled Women’s Network) Canada, one of the oldest organizations advocating for women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities, celebrated 40 years of service with an intimate anniversary event at its Ottawa office under the theme, ’40 Years – Still Rising!’.

The event which brought together members of DAWN’s extended community; past and present collaborators, and longstanding supporters, reflected on four decades of work led by and for women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities.

“Forty years of doing is not the same as forty years of done,” said Bonnie Brayton, CEO of DAWN Canada. “We mark this milestone with pride, but also with a clear understanding that there is still so much more to be done. That is why this year and beyond, we are deepening our relationships and building with grassroots and national organizations alike to ensure DAWN continues to be a powerful force for equity, justice, and transformation.”

The event also featured a series of awards and recognitions, including the Women on Wings Award and the Hummingbird Awards. The Women on Wings Award, a board service award, paid tribute to the late Judi Johnny, a powerful advocate for Indigenous women with disabilities. Judi Johnny was posthumously recognized with a Women on Wings Award, which will be presented to the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre in Yellowknife as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Another significant recipient of the 2024 Women on Wings Award was Pat Danforth, one of DAWN Canada’s founding mothers. Pat was among the seventeen women who gathered in Ottawa 40 years ago to form what would become DAWN Canada. She was honoured for her lifelong commitment to justice and disability rights – a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

“This is about remembering where we come from, and recommitting to where we’re going,” said Kathy Hawkins, President of DAWN Canada. “We are here because of these women who dared to imagine something different, and we move forward by continuing to honour their courage with action.”

During this special year, DAWN Canada’s leadership Award, the Hummingbird Awards included posthumous recognitions for two public servants, Vera Wall and Joanne Linsey, whose strong commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts were instrumental in making DAWN’s founding meeting possible.

Since its launch in 2020, the Hummingbird Award has honoured individuals and institutions whose strong commitment has advanced the rights and well-being of women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities. Past recipients of the Hummingbird Individual Award include Sandra Pronteau, Dr. Laverne Jacobs, Vicky Smallman, Lise Martin, The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Yazmine Laroche, and Maureen Haan. In addition, three Institutional Hummingbird Awards have recognized organizations whose collective efforts have helped build a more just and inclusive Canada.

As part of its 40th anniversary year, DAWN plans to collaborate with organizations across Canada in meaningful gatherings and initiatives that reflect the values of justice, inclusion, and community power.

About DAWN Canada

Established in 1985, DAWN Canada is a national feminist, cross-disability human rights organization that works to address systems of oppression. We focus on addressing issues of disability through our four pillars: research, education, policy and advocacy. DAWN’s mission to end the poverty, isolation, discrimination and violence experienced by women, girls and gender-diverse people who live with disabilities and/or are Deaf in Canada.

Contact:

Montreal – Head Office 469, Jean Talon W. #215Montréal QC H3N 1R4

Ottawa – Office 130 Albert Street, Suite 1103Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4

For more information contact: Shauna-Kay Williams, Communications Manager, communicationsmanager@dawncanada.net