Indigenous Perspectives on Difference

The article argues for the inclusion of Indigenous voices in disability dialogues. The application of UN documents and actions in Indigenous communities justifies Indigenous perspectives as informing partners in disability dialogues. The article establishes a foundation for inclusion followed by a brief discussion of some global Indigenous concepts involving body and mind differences that are in direct opposition to Western concepts of disability. The use of Indigenous paradigms highlights the role of colonization and post-colonization assimilation practices in establishing discrimination dynamics involving disability within Indigenous communities. The argument is that the inclusion of Indigenous voices will not only assist Indigenous communities, but could also advance disability discussions in Western cultures.