Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
National Indigenous Times reports that The Deadlys—Deadly First Nations Shout Out—have released “Being Deadly,” a documentary centering First Nations people with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injury; members insist they must “be seen, be heard,” and to “stand up and speak up for Disability and Culture,” asserting cultural pride and leadership against exclusion.
The piece names structural harm: Aunty Jane Rosengrave describes being “locked up” from six months old to 21 and says this still happens to kids today; the group also addresses “racism and discrimination,” forced identity checks, and being left out of traditional practices—evidence of systems that sideline First Nations people with disabilities.
The Deadlys act to shift power: since 2023 they have built relationships, run workshops, planned cultural gatherings, started a podcast, and focus on “educating the public, police, health and justice sectors” so First Nations people with disabilities set the agenda, stay connected to culture, and reduce isolation (including invitations to join on Zoom).
Launched in Naarm at Koorie Heritage Trust, the film pairs courageous stories with a call for positive change so people with disabilities can participate fully in their own communities. For Community Builders, the directive is to follow disability-led, First Nations-led leadership and build inclusive community where access, identity, and cultural practice are non-negotiable.
Read the Full Article: ‘One hell of a journey’: Self-advocacy group for First Nations people with intellectual disabilities launches documentary.
By: Jarred Cross
