CERC Health Equity and Community Wellbeing Public Event: Book Launch of Indigenous Disability Studies  

Book launch with Dr. John Ward, hosted by the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing.

Please join us for the hybrid public book launch of “Indigenous Disability Studies (external link, opens in new window) ” with Dr. John Ward hosted by Dr. Karen Soldatic, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing. The talk will be followed by a Panel Discussion by Lexi Giizhigokwe Nahwegiizhic, Elder Tom Dearhouse, and Diane Rudakenga. This event is free and open to the public.

Abstract

This Indigenous Disability Studies book is the first of its kind to gather the wisdom, lived experiences, and traditional knowledge systems of Indigenous people with a global representation. It is a weaving of traditional knowledge, academia, and grassroots contributions, which includes not only renowned experts within the disability community, but also many first-time authors. It is this coming together of voices and words that will connect so many as it reaches places that have often been excluded. This international accumulation will, thus, usher in a new age for Indigenous disability studies by expanding this developing field as it offers a comprehensive approach to the perspectives, lived experiences, and socio-cultural beliefs regarding disabilities. The 33 chapters by Elders, Indigenous scholars, professionals, social workers, front-line workers, and senior government advisors, and community members deliver steadfast support in wellness, reconciliation, and healing. This global representation carries diverse knowledge from 13 distinct geographical areas or 20 countries, which adds to the overall contribution as a first of its kind that includes an international collaboration of Indigenous content within disability studies. Of these 20 countries, 38 distinct Indigenous groups are represented that comprise authors, who are: Algonquin, Ojibwa, Mohawk, Dakota, Chickasaw, Eskimo, Yukpa, Métis, Oji-Cree, Cherokee, Shawnee, Powhatan, Montauk, Muiscas, Teusacá, Kabylia, Inuit, Tunica-Biloxi, Basotho, Koori, Yuin, Tsou, Mushi, Muhavu, Pawnee, Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan, Paiwan, Eastern Cherokee, Ayuujk Jääy, Javanese, Pashtun, Banyankole, Lomwe, Gusii, Amukiga, Tutsi, Chippewa, and Mauritius. This book reviews Indigenous disability studies in many ways: spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental aspects of traditions, beliefs, and knowledge systems from a vast network of communities and perspectives. The authors’ insights into disabilities gives an extensive understanding in areas that have often been excluded; if not limited by colonial disability scholars or Indigenous people, who have held onto their knowledge due to past exploitation by non-Indigenous researchers. These authors have reclaimed, revitalized, and rejuvenated the negative settler-colonial words of disabilities, learning disabilities and other types of labels and classifications by looking from within.

 

Biographies

John T. Ward is a HR Advisor in the Government of Canada where he currently supports the areas of disability, Indigenous knowledge, ethics as well as equity, diversity and inclusion. He also is a facilitator on sharing and learning circles. He has worked in disability, primarily learning disabilities and dyslexia for the majority of his life. Above all, he excels at passing on knowledge that will make a difference within the areas he works and volunteers in.

John has a PhD in Education from the University of Ottawa, where he specializes in alternate education, Indigenous holistic knowledge, ethics, and learning disabilities and dyslexia. He is empowered by traditional holistic knowledge as a way of building dialogue.

In his personal time, he enjoys antler carving, as well as working with birch bark and publishing in all areas lists including dream weaving and Indigenous methodologies.

 

Lexi Giizhigokwe Nahwegiizhic is an inspirational leader and keynote speaker frequently called upon for her wisdom in Indigenous teachings and mental health. She has a contagious enthusiasm and strives to empower people to become prouder, stronger, and more resilient. Her background is in Neuroscience, where she uses her gift for teaching to serve as a translator between science and business realities.

 

Elder Tom Dearhouse has Kanien’kehaka and Anishinabe ancestry, employed by Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services since 2001; as a youth protection caseworker, support counsellor and for the last seven years as a traditional support counsellor. 

Tom has been a journalist, firefighter, ambulance technician, and band council chief. He brings traditional knowledge and practices and life experiences to work and personal life, having soaked up stories and teachings through oral tradition. 

As a helper, he relies on Mohawk Creation Story, the story of the Peacemaker and the Great Law of Peace, along with the cycle of ceremonies. A trauma-informed approach is complemented using various ceremonies.

Tom finds time to be an Elder and cultural resource to Montreal’s Indigenous population and its organizations. These include three homeless shelter sites and a newly opened Family clinic. Tom accepts invitations to open conferences and gatherings, especially around Indigenous issues, healing and reconciliation.

 

Diane Rudakenga B.Sc. PsyEd, CAPP is a seasoned professional with over fifteen years of experience specializing in mental health, neurodiversity, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within the workplace. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychoeducation and Psychology, along with a degree in Human Resources Management. 

As a neurodivergent, cis-gender woman, and a Black, African-Canadian mother, Diane champions intersectionality in every facet of her professional and advocacy efforts. Her identity and experiences deeply inform her human-centric leadership at Rudakenga Solutions, a platform she founded to enhance workplace environments by prioritizing mental health and well-being.

 

Diane’s commitment extends beyond her professional roles through significant volunteer work with non-profit organizations, advocating for an integrated approach that addresses overlapping social categorizations and their impact on individual experiences. Her work is a testament to her belief in the power of embracing and celebrating diverse identities for organizational success and societal advancement.

 

Location

DCC-713, Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex, 288 Church Street, Toronto Metropolitan University

Registration

Please register here. (external link, opens in new window) 

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair accessible; captioning will be provided on Zoom.

For questions and access inquiries please contact Tarndeep Pannu by July 2, 2024.