Indigenous and Disability Groups Partner to Enhance Accessibility at Cultural Events

The Full Moon Partners, a collaboration of Indigenous groups and community organizations, has joined forces with the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) to improve accessibility at cultural events. This initiative aims to make events more inclusive for people living with disabilities.This partnership sets a precedent for making cultural events more inclusive and accessible, promoting diversity and equity. Thus, it can lead to increased participation and engagement from people with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive and connected community.The first event to benefit from this partnership is the Full Moon Ceremony at The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Held during National AccessAbility Week 2024, the ceremony celebrates Indigenous identity and offers spiritual healing and hope. The event will be hosted in an accessible venue and will include accommodations such as sign language interpreters.Melissa Graham, Executive Director of the MLPD, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. “We have to give more thought to those people that can’t come to some of our events…because we don’t allow them to make those allowances,” she said. This partnership aims to address these gaps and make cultural events more welcoming for everyone.Melanie Marsden, a visually impaired participant in the Full Moon Ceremony, expressed her appreciation for the initiative. “It will ensure that I get the support that I need in a sacred ceremony,” she said. Marsden believes this partnership will bring about a critical shift in attitude, making people feel more included.Louise McKay, an Elder at the Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg, also voiced her support for the collaboration. She hopes it will encourage more people to engage with their culture. With the help of MLPD and new grant funding, the Full Moon Partners plan to hold ceremonies in more accessible venues and provide additional supports like American Sign Language interpreters.The partnership between the Full Moon Partners and the MLPD marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. By making cultural events more accessible, the initiative aims to ensure that everyone can participate and connect with their communities.Key Takeaways Full Moon Partners and Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) collaborate to improve accessibility at cultural events. First event: Full Moon Ceremony at The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba, during National AccessAbility Week 2024. Event will feature accessible venue, sign language interpreters, and other accommodations. Partnership aims to increase participation and engagement from people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity. Future plans include holding ceremonies in accessible venues with additional supports like ASL interpreters.