British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society
The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is an Indigenous charitable organization in British Columbia, Canada, that provides cross disability-related support and services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada living with a disability, and advocates for the full inclusion of Indigenous peoples living with disabilities, both socially and economically. BCANDS was established in 1991 to begin to address the needs of Indigenous peoples living with disabilities through services and support and through work to remove the barriers faced. BCANDS holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations  Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Approved Observer status with the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD). The BCANDS head office is located in Victoria, British Columbia, on the traditional territories of the Songhees People. Areas of work / initiatives. The British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society provides one-to-one disability related services, as well as awareness and outreach activities aimed at individuals and families, federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous leadership and the public, both within Canada and at the international level. Awareness. Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) In 2015, the organization established Indigenous  Disability Awareness Month (IDAM) to raise awareness of the contributions that Indigenous peoples living with disabilities bring to Canadian communities, and holds annual events during the month. In 2017, the United Nations International Committee on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities, in its Concluding Observations Report, recommended to Canada to officially recognize and proclaim the month. IDAM is observed annually by various provinces in Canada, in addition to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and organizations. RDSP Awareness Month Each year during October, the organization promotes the Registered Disability Saving Plan through virtual awareness activities, community events and distribution of  materials. National Indigenous AccessAbility Week Each year during National AccessAbility Week in Canada, the organization promotes accessibility from an Indigenous disability lens, through the hosting of awareness events and distribution of materials. Indigenous Partnership Award In 2015, the organization established the BCANDS Indigenous Partnership Award to recognize individuals or organizations that has made significant contributions to advancing Indigenous disability issues in Canada. Notable recipients include federal politician and Paralympian Carla Qualtrough. Recipients of the award are determined by the organizations leadership periodically, and are typically presented during Indigenous Disability Awareness Month. National Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering The organization periodically  hosts a national gathering with Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership. communities, persons living with disabilities, government and stakeholders to raise awareness of Indigenous disability in Canada. Awards. Finalist - Premier's Innovation & Excellence Awards - 2020 Finalist -Premier's Innovation & Excellence Awards - 2019 Essl Foundation - Zero Project International Award - 2019 Finalist - Premier's Innovation & Excellence Awards - 2018 Doctors of BC - Excellence in Health Promotion Award - 2018 Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health - Champion of Mental Health Award - 2018 Canadian Medical Association - Excellence in Health Promotion - 2016 March of Dimes Canada - Judge George Ferguson Award - 2015 Social Planning and Research Council  of BC (SPARC BC) - Deryck Thompson Award - 2014 BC Medical Association - Excellence in Health Promotion - 2013 Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Region - Dr. Nancy Hall Public Policy Leadership Award - 2013