November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) – A time to recognize and celebrate the leadership, strength, and resilience of Indigenous persons with disabilities across Canada. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing work needed to advance disability rights and reconciliation together.
About Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month was first created in 2015 by the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). It brings attention to the unique barriers faced by Indigenous persons with disabilities, while also celebrating their achievements and contributions to communities. This month encourages all of us to deepen our understanding and take meaningful action towards reconciliation and inclusion for all.
ARCH’s Commitment to Reconciliation and Disability Justice
At ARCH Disability Law Centre, we acknowledge that the work of advancing disability rights must also include a commitment to truth and reconciliation. We are committed to ongoing learning and relationship building with Indigenous and First Nations communities across Ontario. Our goal is to ensure that our legal work and advocacy meaningfully includes Indigenous perspectives and leadership.
The Teresa Daw Student Internship
In 2017, ARCH established the Moving Together Toward Supporting Reconciliation Committee. This committee consists of ARCH Board members, and Indigenous community leaders and has been the driving force in the development of ARCH’s Teresa Daw Student Internship. This internship honours the memory of Teresa Daw, past ARCH Board President who was a tireless and passionate leader and advocate for disability rights.
This internship provided an opportunity for one Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) law student with demonstrated interest in disability rights to earn a paid two (2) month internship with ARCH that began in the spring of this year. This internship aims at providing support to law students through the mentorship of ARCH and its diverse partners to explore, reflect, and work through timely legal and disability related issues that are of utmost importance to the student and their Indigenous community.
In May 2025, ARCH was pleased to welcome Cameron Smith as the successful inaugural candidate for the Teresa Daw Student Internship. Cameron recently completed his internship at ARCH, and we are deeply grateful for his hard work and the valuable contributions he made during his time at ARCH. We also extend our appreciation to the Moving Together Toward Supporting Reconciliation Committee, and to Teresa Daw and her family for their ongoing support in making this opportunity possible.
Continuing the Journey
During Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, ARCH invites our communities to reflect on how we can be effective allies and continue to advance disability justice and reconciliation together. We encourage learning from Indigenous-led organizations and create spaces for learning and actioning.
ARCH also acknowledges the leadership and advocacy of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS), which paved the way for this important month of recognition. Together, we continue to learn, build relationships, and take action alongside Indigenous peoples with disabilities.