International Day of the World's Indigenous People
On this World Indigenous Day, we shine a light on a group whose struggles often go unseen: Indigenous people with disabilities. These individuals, estimated at 54 million worldwide, live at a unique intersection of identities, facing a double burden of discrimination and marginalization. While both Indigenous and disability rights movements have made significant strides, the specific challenges faced by those who belong to both groups often remain invisible in policy and public discourse.
For an Indigenous person with a disability, their experience is shaped by two powerful and often-oppressive forces. An Indigenous identity connects them to their culture, language, and ancestral land, but it also links them to a history of colonization, discrimination, and human rights violations. A disabled identity, on the other hand, is often associated with stigma, prejudice, and societal barriers.
When these identities overlap, the discrimination is compounded. This creates a "double disadvantage" where they face not only the systemic racism that affects Indigenous communities but also the ableism that marginalizes people with disabilities. This intersection leads to significant barriers in accessing fundamental rights and opportunities, including healthcare, education, employment, transportation, and communication services.
The stories of Indigenous people with disabilities are often told from a dominant, Western perspective, which fails to capture their unique cultural context and lived experiences. This lack of a holistic, collective understanding has resulted in a failure to address the significant barriers they face.
While the challenges are immense, there is a growing movement to bring these issues to the forefront. Small but impactful initiatives are paving the way for change. The formation of groups like the Disability Caucus at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Global Network (IPWDGN) are crucial milestones. These organizations are working to create spaces where Indigenous people with disabilities can advocate for themselves and set the agenda within both the Indigenous and disability movements.
Source:Indigenious World 2023
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