Indigenous Collection

The Gift of Being Different, a short documentary, follows Grant Bruno as he navigates the world of autism. Grant is a parent to Autistic children and a PhD researcher exploring autism in First Nations communities. Grant is a registered member of nipsihkipahk (Samson Cree Nation), one of the reserves that makes up Maskwacis, Alberta. Through the film we learn his community views autism as a gift.

Listen to the first Storytelling Video Series for the Bi pi maadzing zaagidwin teg jichaaming / Circle of Life in the Spirit of Love project. Developed by Surrey Place, the series reflects voices and perspectives from Indigenous caregivers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Northwestern Ontario. Our first episode features Joyce, a mother advocating for and supporting her son with autism in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, also known as Big Trout Lake, Ontario. The music is by Rest You Sleeping Giant (CC BY 4.0)

Listen to the second episode of the Storytelling Video Series for the Bi pi maadzing zaagidwin teg jichaaming / Circle of Life in the Spirit of Love project. Developed by Surrey Place, the series reflects voices and perspectives from Indigenous caregivers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Northwestern Ontario. Our second episode features Serena, an Inuk mother living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who discusses her adult son's diagnosis of autism. His chronic health issues have impact Serena’s ability to live on her traditional land. Serena shares her disconnection with her Indigenous identity as she navigates motherhood in the South and builds her career as a social worker. Ultimately, with resilience and up against generational trauma, Serena celebrates her reconnection with her traditional ways.

Listen to the third Storytelling Video for the Bi pi maadzing zaagidwin teg jichaaming / Circle of Life in the Spirit of Love project. Developed by Surrey Place, the series reflects voices and perspectives from Indigenous caregivers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Northwestern Ontario. Our third episode features Aaron, a self-advocate who lives in Sioux Lookout. Aaron discusses his relationships, hobbies and work in Sioux Lookout. He is supported by Christine Sawanas, the Clinical Regional Access Coordinator for the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority and the MMW Program at Surrey Place.

Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer and more fulfilled lives, but what are the challenges of aging with a disability? Join surrey Place for a free webinar series as they delve into the effects of aging on Indigenous people living with IDD in Northern Ontario.

Hear first-hand accounts from paid caregivers and community support workers providing services to aging Indigenous adults with IDD. Conversations will focus on the strengths and challenges of small and/or remote communities in Northern Ontario including creative problem solving and the importance of relationship building and cultural competency when providing services. Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer and more fulfilled lives, but what are the challenges of aging with a disability?

Understand the systemic barriers that remote and semi-remote communities face, strategies for better outcomes, and key touchstones for supporting Indigenous adults with IDD in Northern Ontario. Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer and more fulfilled lives, but what are the challenges of aging with a disability?

Being trauma-informed is about acknowledging the need to understand a person’s life experiences in order to deliver effective services. With this approach, service providers can improve engagement, health outcomes, and wellness for their community. This collection of resources can assist service providers and individuals to develop an approach that improves understanding, and helps to recognize, and respond to the effects of all types of trauma.