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Hunt Family Crest Totem Pole, Victoria Conference Center Lobby

Indigenous Disability Canada's (IDC) 2022

Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering

Victoria Conference Center - Victoria, BC
November 15, 16 and 17, 2022
Thank you for attending
the 2022 Gathering. 

We look forward to seeing you Nov. 2024! 

The Gathering

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The 2022 Gathering will be held in Victoria, BC and on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen People. We will be celebrating  Indigenous Disability Canada's (IDC) / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society's (BCANDS') 31st anniversary and the 8th anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) being recognized and proclaimed.

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The Gathering brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments, leadership, service providers, community members and others to learn, connect, and collaborate in addressing the unique barriers Indigenous peoples with disabilities face. We will continue to take the necessary steps forward in dismantling both historical and current barriers, and the attitudes and perceptions that negatively impact Indigenous peoples living with disabilities. By forming new and expanded partnerships, we can collaborate and identify the best practices for the broader disability and health sectors.

 

Together, we will help shape a Canada that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all peoples and abilities.

The Gathering
Hunt_Family_Crest_Totem_Pole,_Victoria_C

Why should we gather together?

Indigenous persons living with a disability often face many unique jurisdictional barriers, restrictive policies, and discrimination when seeking necessary supports for their specific disability-related needs. These factors, and others, contribute to the exclusion and the lack of recognition of Indigenous persons living with a disability as equal members in our society. This population continues to be marginalized, with the world-wide pandemic further amplifying these conditions. 

 

Statistics Canada notes that the frequency of disabilities among Indigenous persons is higher than the national average, which is conservatively estimated at 30%. Other research suggests the overall disability rates for Indigenous peoples in Canada is up to three times higher than the national rate within some age groups. It is also known that the prevalence of disabilities and the likelihood of becoming disabled for Indigenous women in impoverished populations, significantly increases. In 2016, Statistics Canada also stated that 4 out of 5 First Nation communities have a median income below the poverty line.

 

 

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE 2022 GATHERING

 

  • Learn about the latest news and initiatives relating to Indigenous disability and wellness in Canada;

  • Participate in the 8th anniversary Indigenous Disability Awareness Month;

  • Learn from Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership, service providers, advocates, governments about the barriers, priorities, and opportunities relevant to your organization and / or community;

  • Interact with Gathering Speakers, Delegates, Colleagues and Vendors in the Indigenous disability sector from across Canada;

  • Experience on-site disability and health information and resources at the numerous Vendor tables;

  • Enjoy a welcome Gathering bag with information and swag, three hot breakfasts, three hot lunches, beverage breaks, daily door prizes and more;

  • Enjoy the Wednesday evening Mix & Mingle Social, including traditional dance;

  • Attend the presentation of the IDC / BCANDS 2022 National Indigenous Partnership Award; and

  • Enjoy the numerous attractions beautiful Victoria has to offer

Agenda

Agenda

Set Up | Monday, Nov 14

4 - 7 pm

  • Vendor registration and set up

  • Vendor Meet & Greet Social (7-8p) TBC

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Day One | Tuesday, Nov 15

8 - 9 am

  • Welcome...upon arrival, please check-in at the Delegate Registration Table & pick-up your Welcome Bag

  • Breakfast and Networking - (Fresh Baked Goods, Fresh Fruit, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Savory Potatoes, Breakfast Meats, Toast/Hot & Cold Cereal Stations & Refreshments)

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9 - 10:00 am

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  • Opening Remarks

  • Land Acknowledgement: Guest Skip Dick, Songhees Nation

  • Song: Guest Beth Dick, Songhees Nation

  • Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

  • Overview of IDC / BCANDS and the 2022 Gathering:

  • Neil Belanger, CEO Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) | BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

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10:00 - 10:30 am

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  • Coffee and Networking Break (Refreshments & Themed Snack Station: Smoothie Bar)

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10:30 am - 12 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: Canada Disability Benefit

Panel: 

  • Dr. Michael J. Prince, Lansdowne Professor of Social Policy in the Faculty of Human and Social Development

  • Krista Wilcox, DG for Employment and Social Development Canada

  • Delegate and Panel Engagement

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12 - 1 pm

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  • Lunch and Networking (Seasonal Soup & Salads, Pasta, Salmon, Lamb, Potatoes, Veggies, Desserts & Refreshments)

Lunch and Learn with...

  • Maureen Haan, President and CEO Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) 

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1 - 2:30 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: MAid 

Panel:

  • Krista Carr, Executive Vice President (CEO) of Inclusion Canada.

  • Kerri Joffe, human rights lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre

  • Dr. Rod McCormick, Senior Professor and BC Government endowed Research Chair in Indigenous Health at Thompson Rivers University

  • Dr. Ramona Coelho, Family Doctor, London Ontario

  • Delegate and Panel Engagements

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2:30 - 3 pm

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  • Coffee and Networking Break (Refreshments & Themed Snack Station: Donut Worry-Be Happy)

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3 - 4:30 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: Canadian Center for Caregiving Excellence

Panel:

  • Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.

  • Grant Bruno, Researcher, University of Alberta, Indigenous Relations Circle, Autism Society of Alberta, and family caregiver.

  • Amber Ward, Researcher, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Community Health Nurse and Medical Student.

  • Danielle Alcock, PhD, Assistant Professor, Western University, Schulich School of Business.

  • Lisa Spencer, Communications Manager, Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society.

  • Serena Hickes, social worker, researcher.

  • Delegate and Panel Engagement

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4:30 - 4:45 pm

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  • Closing Comments on the day's activities

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Day Two | Wednesday, Nov 16

8 - 9 am

  • Welcome Back - Please check-in at the Delegates Registration Table

  • Breakfast and Networking -(Fresh Baked Goods, Fresh Fruit, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Savory Potatoes, Breakfast Meats, Toast/Hot & Cold Cereal Stations & Refreshments)

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9 - 10:00 am

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  • Opening Remarks

  • Stephen Lytton, on the Board of Directors of the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability.

  • Keynote Speaker: Jay Chalke, Ombudsperson of British Columbia since May 2015. Speaking on the 'Short-Changed' Report. The Ministry of Children and Family Development acted unjustly, failing to pass on federal disability benefits to grandparents caring for their granddaughter, an Indigenous girl living with mental and physical challenges.

  • Keynote Questions

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10:00 - 10:30 am

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  • Coffee and Networking Break (Refreshments & Themed Snack Station: Perfect Parfaits)

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10:30 am - 12 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: DAWN Canada (National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence. Sharing specific findings from our Indigenous research leads.)

Panel:

  • Bonnie Brayton, National CEO DisAbled Women's Network of Canada.

  • Sarah Kastner, Research and policy communications professional.

  • Melanie Marsden, Consultant for Circle Insights.

  • Jihan Abbas, Ph.D

  • Delegate and Panel Engagement

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12 - 1 pm

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  • Lunch and Networking (Noodle Soup, Veggie Salads, Ginger Beef, Tofu, Jasmine Rice, Desserts & Refreshments)

Lunch & Learn with...

  • Neil Belanger, CEO Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) | BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS).

  • James Janeiro, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.

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1 - 2:30 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) | Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Panel:

  • Kerri Joffe, human rights lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre

  • Tabatha Tranquilla, Acting Director, Canadian Human Rights Commission. 

  • Elizabeth Logue, Director of Consultation and Engagement at the United Nations Declaration Act Implementation Secretariat (UNDAIS), Justice Canada

  • Delegate and Panel Engagements

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2:30 - 3 pm

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  • Coffee and Networking Break (Refreshments & Themed Snack Station: Choc-A-Holic Pastries)

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3 - 4:30 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: CBC/Radio-Canada's Accessibility Lead and Indigenous Advisor 

  • Panel:

  • Rachel Desjourdy is CBC/Radio-Canada’s Accessibility Lead.

  • Robert Doane is Gitxsan, from the Fireweed Clan, and is based out of Prince George, B.C. and CBC's Indigenous Advisor.

  • Delegate and Panel Engagement

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4:30 - 6:00

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  • End of day / free time - see you at the Gala (Mix and Mingle)

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6 - 9 pm

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  • Gala - Mix and Mingle Social (Canapes/hors d'oeuvres, and a variety of food stations

  • Cash Bar

  • Lekwungen Traditional Dancers

  • IDC / BCANDS Indigenous Partnership Award Presentation

Day Three | Thursday, Nov 17

8 - 9 am

  • Welcome Back - Please check-in at the Delegates Registration Table

  • Breakfast and Networking - (Fresh Baked Goods, Fresh Fruit, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Savory Potatoes, Breakfast Meats, Toast/Hot & Cold Cereal Stations & Refreshments)

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9 - 10:00 am

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  • Opening Remarks

  • Keynote Speaker: Ross Chilton, CEO of Community Living BC.

  • Keynote Questions

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10:00 - 10:30 am

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  • Coffee and Networking Break (Refreshments & Themed Snack Station: Smoothie Bar)

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10:30 am - 12 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: Community Living BC

Panel:

  • Joanne Mills, Executive Director of Indigenous Relations, Community Living BC

  • Amber Rainshadow

  • Charlene Barney

  • Michelle Goos

  • Delegate and Panel Engagement

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12 - 1 pm

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Lunch & Learn with...

  • Suzanne Sterling-Bur, The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus

Topic: Indigenous Rights through Nłeʔkepmx Speta’kl and Spilahem Stories​

  • Lunch and Networking (Seasonal Soup, Potato & Green Salads, Cod & Mussels, Roasted Pork, Quinoa Casserole, Rice and Fresh Veggies, Desserts & Refreshments)

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1 - 2:30 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: Indigenous Accessibility - ACA | Province

Panel:

  • Philip Rizcallah, CEO for Accessibility Standards Canada.

  • Dan Coulter, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility

  • Richard Peter, Indigenous Peoples' Liaison for Praxis Spinal Cord Institute

  • Jocelyn Kula, ESDC Accessibility 

  • Delegate and Panel Engagements

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2:30 - 3 pm

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  • Coffee and Networking Break (Refreshments & Themed Snack Station: West Coast Trail Mix)

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3 - 4:30 pm

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  • Fireside Chat: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

Panel:

  • Evelyn Huntjens, Indigenous RDSP Consultant

  • Ray McGuire

  • Karen M Martin, Senior Programs Officer, Disability, Indigenous and Benefits Outreach Services Directorate

  • Brad Taschuk, Senior Programs Officer in the Disability Tax Credit Modernization section at the Canada Revenue Agency.

  • Delegate and Panel Engagement

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4:30 - 4:45 pm

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  • Closing Comments on the day's activities

  • Closing of the 2022 Gathering

  • Vendor Breakdown (4:45-6p)

Speakers
   Guest Speakers 
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  • Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
  • Dr. Michael J. Prince, Lansdowne Professor of Social Policy in the Faculty of Human and Social Development
  • Dr. Rod McCormick, Senior Professor and BC Government endowed Research Chair in Indigenous Health at Thompson Rivers University
  • Krista Wilcox, DG for Employment and Social Development Canada
  • Jeff Ferguson, Executive Director of Knowledge Mobilization and Transformation at Inclusion Canada
  • Maureen Haan, President and CEO Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)
  • Krista Carr, Executive Vice President (CEO) of Inclusion Canada, one of Canada’s 10 largest charitable organizations
  • Kerri Joffe, human rights lawyer at ARCH Disability Law Centre
  • Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence
  • Grant Bruno, Researcher, University of Alberta, Indigenous Relations Circle, Autism Society of Alberta
  • Amber Ward, Researcher, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Community Health Nurse and Medical Student
  • Lisa Spencer, Communications Manager for Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtitt Society
  • Danielle Alcock,  PhD, Assistant Professor, Western University, Schulich School of Business
  • Serena Hickes, Inuk mother, researcher, and social worker living in Winnipeg, MB
  • Stephen Lytton, Lytton First Nation - accomplished actor, writer and presenter, who has presented both in western and eastern Canada to various groups regarding his personal experiences in residential school as an Indigenous person living with a disability
  • Jay Chalke, Ombudsperson of British Columbia
  • Bonnie Bryton, Chief Executive Officer at DAWN Canada
  • Melanie Marsden, Consultant for Circle Insights, and formerly Project Manager - Accessibility Specialist at Springtide Resources
  • Sarah Kastner, award-winning research and policy communications professional with a doctorate in literary studies from Queen’s University

     Guest Speakers

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  • Neil Belanger, Executive Director of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) / Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC)

  • Jihan Abbas, PH.D

  • James Janeiro, Director of Policy and Government Relations

  • Tabatha Tranquilla, Director of Policy, Research and International at the Canadian Human Rights Commission

  • Elizabeth Louge, Director, Consultation and Engagement, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Implementation

  • Rachel Desjourdy, CBC/Radio-Canada’s Accessibility Lead

  • Robert Doane, Robert is the CBC Indigenous Advisor

  • Ross Chilton, CEO of Community Living Society

  • Joanne Mills, Executive Director of Indigenous Relations

  • Philip Rizcallah, Chief Executive Officer for Accessibility Standards Canada

  • Dan Coulter, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility

  • Jocelyn Kula, Director of the Policy, Results and Engagement Division in the Accessible Canada Directorate within Employment and Social Development Canada

  • Richard Peter, BC SCI Network Member, Indigenous Leader, five-time Paralympian and Mentor

  • Suzanne Sterling-Bur, Vice President, Students for the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology(NVIT), University of BC - Okanagan Campus

  • Evelyn Huntjens, British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society/Indigenous Disability Canada as a Indigenous RDSP Navigator program manager 

  • Ray McGuire, BCANDS Board of Directors

  • Karen Martin, Indigenous Services Division, Headquarters 

  • Brad Taschuk, Senior Programs Officer in the Disability Tax Credit Modernization (CRA)

  • Dr. Ramona Coelho, Family Doctor, London Ontario




 

 

2022 Sponsors & Vendors

Sponsors

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Exhibitors 

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About Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC)

The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) now largely operating as Indigenous Disability Canada  (IDC) is an internationally recognized, award-winning, not-for-profit Indigenous disability organization. IDC / BCANDS provides disability related programs and services across Canada and holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations since 2018.

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Mission

Advancing the unique disability and health priorities of Indigenous persons through collaboration, consultation, and the delivery of comprehensive client services.

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Vision

An inclusive and accessible Canada for all Indigenous persons and families living with disabilities where their disability and health priorities / needs are identified, planned for and addressed through relevant, responsive and holistic programs, services and policies.

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Programs & Services

IDC / BCANDS engages in a variety of services and initiatives to assist Indigenous individuals and families living with disabilities. Some of these include:

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For more information: www.bcands.bc.ca 

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