Decolonizing disability: Teachings from Tx̱ eemsim and voices from the lands of the Nisg ̱ a’a Nation

Authors

  • Rheanna E. Robinson Associate Professor First Nations Studies University of Northern British Columbia

Keywords:

Indigenous disability; decolonization; Indigenous knowledges; community-based research

Abstract

Indigenous perspectives regarding disability are underrepresented in scholarly literature. This article profiles traditional perspectives and contemporary experiences regarding disability through voices from the lands of the Nisg ̱ a’a Nation. Influenced by Indigenous theory, this case study is based on semi-structured interviews with six diverse Indigenous community leaders including Simgigat (Hereditary Chiefs) and Sigidim Haanaḵ’ (Matriarchs). Four themes emerged: (1) Indigenous laws and cultural protocols enact principles of equity and inclusion; (2) language, kinship, and culture inform Indigenous perspectives regarding disability; (3) the gift of

disability is celebrated through storytelling; and (4) colonization has negatively impacted disability for Indigenous Peoples. In addition, this study demonstrates that further research is needed on contemporary and historical disability policy in the Indian Act and disabilities in the context of Indian Residential Schools. This research considers the imposition of Western and colonially constructed disability identities while demonstrating that Indigenous knowledges, traditions, and practices are crucial to decolonizing understandings of disability in Canada and around the world.

Author Biography

Rheanna E. Robinson, Associate Professor First Nations Studies University of Northern British Columbia

Associate Professor First Nations Studies

University of Northern British Columbia

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Published

2024-12-17

How to Cite

Robinson, R. E. (2024). Decolonizing disability: Teachings from Tx̱ eemsim and voices from the lands of the Nisg ̱ a’a Nation. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 13(3), 1–40. Retrieved from https://cjds.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/cjds/article/view/1160

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Articles

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