Indigenous Disability Canada's (IDC)
Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering
Our 2024 Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering was a great success!
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Gathering !
Tentatively November 24th, 25th, 26th, 2026 - Victoria Conference Centre
Victoria, British Columbia - Canada
About The 2026 Gathering
The 2026 Gathering will be tentatively held at the Victoria Conference Center from November 24th – November 26th, 2026, on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen Peoples. We will be celebrating Indigenous Disability Canada's (IDC) / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society's (BCANDS') 35th anniversary and the 12th anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) being recognized and proclaimed in Canada and internationally.
​
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 to dismantle historical and current barriers and the attitudes and perceptions that negatively impact Indigenous Peoples 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 continue to shape a Canada that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all peoples and abilities.
​
Why Should We Gather?
Indigenous Peoples with disabilities often face many unique jurisdictional barriers, restrictive policies, and discrimination when seeking necessary support for their specific disability-related needs.
Anti-Indigenous racism, disability discrimination, poverty, inaccessible services and communities, etc. are only a few of the barriers dealt with daily by Indigenous Peoples with disabilities.
These factors, and others, contribute to the exclusion and the lack of recognition of Indigenous Peoples with disabilities as equal members of our communities. Though some positive movement has been seen, this population continues to be marginalized, with the current state of the world further amplifying these conditions.
Statistics Canada notes that the frequency of disabilities among Indigenous Peoples is higher than the national average, and conservatively estimated at 35%. Other research suggests the overall disability rates for Indigenous Peoples in Canada are 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.
​
Together we can make a difference, together we can make change.
Join us in November 2026, be part of the difference and change we need!
​
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE 2024 GATHERING
-
Learn about the latest news and initiatives relating to Indigenous disability in Canada;
-
Participate in the 12th anniversary of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month and 35th anniversary of IDC/BCANDS;
-
Learn from Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership, service providers, advocates, and governments about the barriers, priorities, and opportunities relevant to your organization and/or community;
-
Interact with Gathering Speakers, Delegates, Colleagues, and Vendors from the disability sector across Canada;
-
Experience on-site disability and health information and resources at the numerous Vendor tables;
-
Enjoy a welcome 2026 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 2026 National Indigenous Partnership Award; and
-
Enjoy the numerous attractions beautiful Victoria has to offer