Honouring Indigenous Disability Awareness Month: Strength, Resilience and Inclusion

Every November, communities across Canada recognize Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM), which is a time dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the resilience of Indigenous Peoples with disabilities. First established by the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS), IDAM highlights the unique experiences of Indigenous people who navigate the intersecting impacts of disability, colonialism, racism, and ableism.

Indigenous Peoples with disabilities often face significant barriers to healthcare, education, employment, accessible transportation, and childcare. These challenges are tied to long-standing systemic inequities. 

Years of colonialism, racism, ableism, and forced poverty have resulted in higher rates of environmental and trauma-related disabilities (Chan, 2025). First Nations are more likely to have a disability than non-Indigenous Canadians. Over 30% of Indigenous people aged 15 and older experience disability—significantly higher than the national average of 22% (Stats Canada, 2022). By drawing attention to these realities, IDAM encourages communities to work toward meaningful inclusion and accessibility, reflecting the goals of WIDA right here on campus.

So what can we do to help? 

Support begins with listening and learning. Take time to understand the systemic issues Indigenous Peoples with disabilities face, and seek out perspectives rooted in lived experience. 

Utilize the tools offered by WIDA to advocate for accessible, culturally safe services in your community. In schools and workplaces, promote accessibility, anti-racism, and opportunities for positive change. Small actions like opening conversations, or practicing allyship can collectively create meaningful change.

Indigenous Disability Awareness Month reminds us that accessibility and inclusion require ongoing commitment. By listening, learning, and taking action, we help ensure that Indigenous Peoples with disabilities are respected, valued, and supported during IDAM and throughout the year.

Written by Zahra Chaudhry

Reviewed by Amirali Saeedi

Date: November 25th, 2025

Sources:

Chan, W. W. T. (2025). Indigenous leadership and the Canadian disability movement. Disability Studies Quarterly, 45(1). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v45i1.277

Statistics Canada. (2023, December 1). New data on disability in Canada, 2022. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-653-x/89-653-x2019005-eng.htm

Employment and Social Development Canada. (2022). Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan/action-plan-2022.html