Neil Squire Society would like to join countless provinces, organizations, and communities across Canada and internationally in declaring the month of November as Indigenous Disability Awareness Month.

November 2025 marks the 11^th Anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) in Canada and internationally. Created in 2015 by Indigenous Disability Canada/British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (IDC/BCANDS), IDAM recognizes the overwhelming contributions Indigenous Peoples bring to all our communities, as well as highlighting the unique barriers they often face.

Our Proclamation:

WHEREAS Indigenous Peoples with disabilities often face unique barriers that impact their ability to fully participate in the social and economic opportunities available in our communities. And

WHEREAS we are committed to the ideal of an inclusive society based on respect and understanding, where Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) with disabilities and the significant contributions they provide to our communities, organizations, provinces., territories and country are recognized, celebrated, and valued. And

WHEREAS we are committed to upholding and safeguarding the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), including full and effective participation and inclusion in society, equality of opportunity, and the United Nations CRPD International Committee’s recommendation to Canada to proclaim and recognize November each year as Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. And

WHEREAS we wish to recognize and support Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society’s (IDC/BCANDS) creation of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) and join governments, urban and rural Indigenous communities, disability organizations, individuals living with disabilities and their families, from across the country and internationally, in recognizing and celebrating these diverse and vital members of our communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that we, Neil Squire Society, do hereby proclaim and declare annually the month of November as:

Indigenous Disability Awareness Month

Please join us in helping to raise awareness of Indigenous disability in Canada and celebrating Indigenous Peoples with disabilities.

For more information on IDAM, please visit: https://www.bcands.bc.ca/indigenous-disability-awareness-month-idam/ (new window)