Free Lifetime Membership for Indigenous People

The Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC), the oldest national organization by and for Deaf individuals in Canada, is proud to offer free lifetime membership to Indigenous Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

As a member, you help CAD-ASC promote and protect the rights, needs, and interests of Deaf Canadians through national advocacy, while gaining access to exclusive benefits:

Membership Benefits:

  • Verified membership for other services.
  • Regular updates and announcements.
  • Specific privileges at Annual General Meetings (in-person or online).
  • Opportunities to join committees, task forces, or strategic teams.
  • Access to previous AGM reports and minutes.
  • And more!

Join to become a member and become part of a strong Deaf community while supporting CAD-ASC’s mission.

Sign up for your free Indigenous lifetime membership here: https://cad-asc.ca/membership/

National Indigenous Deaf Cultural Gathering

The National Indigenous Deaf Cultural Gathering (NIDCG) is a bi‑annual event celebrating the culture, language, and community of Indigenous Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. It provides a barrier-free space to reconnect with heritage through workshops, panels, and traditional practices guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Highlights:

Keynotes, workshops, and cultural activities (sweat lodges, craft-making, food sharing)

  • Fully accessible with ASL interpretation (LSQ on request)
  • Focus on identity, healing, and cultural connection
  • The gathering supports Indigenous Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in reclaiming their language and traditions while fostering community and inclusivity.

For more details and upcoming events, visit the following links:

Website: https://nidgathering.wixsite.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nidc.gathering/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nidc.gathering/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NIDCGathering/

Wabanaki Council on Disability

The Wabanaki Council on Disability (WCD) is an Indigenous-led organization working in Atlantic Canada to advance the rights of First Nations people with disabilities.

They advocate across economic, social, cultural, spiritual, civil, and political spheres — grounded in Wabanaki worldviews that view disability as a strength and gift.

Key areas of work include:

  • Policy and legal advocacy (e.g., they submitted a brief on Bill C‑7 / MAID from an Indigenous perspective).
  • Supporting culturally safe access to supports under Jordan’s Principle, including a call to eliminate “aging out” of services for people with special needs.
  • Promoting community-based programs and research in partnership with organizations like the Mawita’mk Society.

The WCD centers its work on a strengths-based, ancestral understanding of disability — not as a deficit, but as part of community and identity.

For more details and upcoming events, visit the following links:

Website: https://wabanakicouncil.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/213053452177037/

Note: You’ll need to join the group in order to view the information, as it’s a private group.