INTENTIONAL GATHERINGS

indigenous Deaf community

In May 2025, the National Indigenous Deaf Cultural Gathering took place in Maskwacis. This was a rare opportunity for Indigenous Deaf folks to meet, share knowledge and cultural practices, learn from Elders, and build relationships across Turtle Island. We were honoured to be guests and sponsors of this special and necessary event.

This video captures some of that joy, and we believe this deserves its own spotlight so we all can be reminded of the important work we share in Treaty. Thank you to David Burnat for recording this precious footage with permission, and to Ebony R. Gooden for editing. Thank you as well to Crystal Wolfe and Torrie Ironstar as co-chairs of this gathering, and to the rest of the NIDCG committee and the Maskwacis community for welcoming us.

Several clips show a gathering with many Indigenous Deaf folks. They engage in various outdoor and indoor activities such as teepee-raising ceremonies, cooking, art, and conversation.

Click the image below to read our full report.

ASL translation available here.

Black and white. Several people gather around a campfire with a teepee in the background.

Crystal, an Indigenous woman, addresses a crowd while Torrie looks on.

A young woman wearing a red plaid jacket grins widely and poses for the camera.

An older Indigenous woman converses with a small group of people.

A few people handle a long thin log as part of the teepee lowering ceremony.

A small group of people stand among the still-upright teepee logs, bringing one log gently down to the ground.

A group of folks mingle in front of a large white teepee.

A further-away shot of the gathered crowd next to a white teepee. Two people address them with their backs to the camera. One of them stands on a stump wearing a bright Indigenous patterned jacket.

A large crowd gathers around a campfire while listening attentively to someone addressing them. They stand on a stump wearing a brightly woven Indigenous-patterned jacket.

Some folks sit and other stand among two white teepees.

We gratefully recognize Connect Society’s support and expertise in providing accessibility support for DeafBlind participants.

The Intentional Gatherings community consultation series was made possible with generous funding from Canada Council for the Arts’ Sector Innovation and Development program.