IDC/BCANDS – Voices of Inclusion: Oral Histories of Indigenous Disability |

At Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC), we believe that understanding and addressing disability from an Indigenous perspective is crucial for providing equitable and inclusive support and services for Indigenous persons with disabilities, their families, and communities. As such, our research team is seeking assistance and guidance from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous community members with traditional knowledge from across Canada to understand disability from an Indigenous perspective. These knowledge holders will provide insights on the understandings of disability prior to contact and the impacts colonialism has had/may have had on these traditional understandings, as well as recommendations on steps that can be taken to incorporate historical practices and understandings into today’s practices, if deemed desirable by communities.

The IDC/ BCANDS cultural research team will be working nationally to identify and connect with First Nations, Inuit, & Métis Elders and Knowledge Keepers interested in sharing their insights into the historical and traditional perspectives on disability within Indigenous communities through recorded video interviews.

By listening to and learning from Elders and Knowledge Keepers who know about disability through a traditional lens, we aim to foster greater awareness, understanding, and action within non-Indigenous communities, organizations, and governing bodies while preserving traditional knowledge and practices related to disability for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

The information captured in these recorded interviews will serve as a historical, visual, and written record that increases awareness of Indigenous understandings of disability prior to contact and will provide interrelated recommendations for advancing positive change in the lives of Indigenous Peoples with disabilities.

If you wish to contact the IDC/BCANDS Voices of Inclusion researchers, please email us at: IDCCapacity@bcands.bc.ca or call us at: (613) 915 – 1902

If you are interested in potentially working with IDC/BCANDS on this initiative, please complete the following questionnaire (below)

*Please note that this questionnaire requires individuals to provide their name and contact information. Selected individuals may be contacted for interview opportunities. These interviews will be conducted either in person or virtually at the organization’s discretion. We thank all applicants for their time and interest.

Voices of Inclusion: Oral Histories of Indigenous Disability - Participant Questionnaire

Please complete this Participant Questionnaire to be considered for involvement in the IDC/BCANDS - Voices of Inclusion: Oral Histories of Indigenous Disability initiative.

We are seeking to connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers who can share insights into the historical and pre-colonial perspectives on disability within Indigenous communities. Commonly, an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Keeper is someone their community has acknowledged for possessing a deep understanding of Indigenous history, spirituality, traditional language, cultural teachings, ceremonies, and healing practices gained through training and lived experiences. We acknowledge that the definition of an Elder or Knowledge Keeper varies between communities and welcome diverse interpretations. How do you identify?(Required)

Indigenous Elder

Indigenous Knowledge Keeper

Other

If you chose "Other" please specify.

Indigenous Ancestry - The term “Indigenous Peoples” is a collective, colonial name for the original peoples of Turtle Island (North America) and their descendants. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit are three distinct Indigenous groupings with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and understandings. Check all that apply.(Required)

First Nation (includes status and non-status)

Inuit

Métis

Nation/Community - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples may identify with specific Nations or communities within those groups. From what Indigenous Community(ies) or Nation(s) do you bring your knowledge and perspectives from?(Required)

Are you interested in participating in a video or virtual interview to share your insights, knowledge, and teachings on the concept of disability through an Indigenous lens?(Required)

Please tell us why you would like to participate?(Required)

What is your age?(Required)

Gender(Required)

What is your name?(Required)

First Last

Please provide the name of your community of residence, province/territory and postal code.(Required)

City/Community Province/Territory Postal Code

Please provide a contact telephone number(Required)

Please provide your email contact information (if applicable)