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Abstract
This article describes the vision and realization of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as a beacon of Deaf heritage contribution in Canada and internationally, with a focus on community-generated accomplishment and celebration. The authors highlight the unique historical role of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as a freestanding cultural space set in Toronto's Distillery Historic District, which is a hub of culture, arts, and entertainment. The center features the diverse ways in which the community influences both itself and society at large. This contrasts with other institutions that place themselves in tandem with Deaf schools or service agencies and/or focus on external impacts on the Deaf community. The authors reflect on the importance of the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE as the embodiment of Deaf self-determination in public history both in its institutional context and in its public exhibits. Together they provide an affirming message about the cultural contributions of the Deaf community in public history.
Emergence of the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf
In 1970 Forrest Nickerson and Angela Stratiy from Western Canada, together with other Deaf leaders from across Canada, founded the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD). As a nonprofit organization that receives money through private donations and was incorporated under a federal charter in 1973, the CCSD has preserved, encouraged, and advanced the cultural interests of Canada's Deaf population through the performing arts, language, literature, history, visual arts, and heritage resources. When the CCSD was first founded, Forrest Nickerson, the CCSD's first president, had another dream-to establish a Deaf cultural center to showcase the Deaf community, its heritage, and its arts. This dream became a reality in 2006.
A Collaborative Process within the Deaf Community
Under the direction of the CCSD, a Deaf board of directors, and the president, Helen Pizzacalla, Joanne Cripps, a Deaf leader, and Anita Small, a hearing sociolinguist, were charged with spearheading a feasibility study in 2000 for the establishment of the center. Having worked together to create sign language products and programs for the CCSD since 1998, we knew that of key importance was a shared vision, showcasing "a celebration of Deaf life" and working closely with the Canadian Deaf community first to determine priorities and then to design and establish the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE.
We...