August 21-23, 2023

Indigenous Perspectives of Disabilities and Giftedness: The Role of Indigenous Allyship for Supporting Indigenous Children with Disabilities – 3 days

Sue Sterling-Bur
Dr. Rheanna Robinson

Indigenous peoples have distinct knowledge systems for supporting their children with disabilities based on their unique laws, ethics, values, and belief systems. These three days will provide an interactive learning journey that includes a review of the historical context of colonization, how colonization impacted Indigenous perspectives of disabilities, and the importance of Indigenous allyship for advocacy for Indigenous children with disabilities. Discussions will include shared learning that will support the development of a practice framework that is culturally safe and relevant for working with and supporting Indigenous children with disabilities and their families in British Columbia.

Topics for Discussion

Day 1 August 21, 2023  Historical context for Indigenous Peoples with Disabilities  Laying the Foundation  Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge Importance of Indigenous Stories and the Translation of Knowledge

Day 2 August 22, 2023 Importance of Culture, Ceremony, and Indigenous Languages for supporting Indigenous children and their families Indigenous View of Child Development Honouring Indigenous Perspectives of Giftedness Honouring Indigenous Perspectives of Identity

Day 3 August 23, 2023 Utilizing the Declaration on the Rights for Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action as a tool for advocacy Role of Indigenous Allyship for Inclusion – building and enhancing relationships within Indigenous communities and their families