As a deaf child, author Dr. Clifton F. Carbin knew almost nothing of the existence of deaf teachers, heroes, community leaders, artists' literary societies, or buinesses that make up the rich fabric of Deaf culture in Canada. As an undergraduate at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., he dreamed of some day writing a book about his deaf countrymen and women that would fill this blank slate that all deaf Canadian children seem to face about their own history. Later, he joined forces with the late Forrest C. Nickerson, founder of the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf, who was following a similar dream. From these dreams, Deaf Heritage in Canada was born.
The research for Deaf Heritage in Canada has taken Dr. Carbin into every province and territory in Canada, into dusty attics and musty basements, stomping through soggy cemeteries and sifting through years of newspaper clippings and boxes of faded photographs. But what he has unearthed, after more than a decade of work, is a cultural treasure for both deaf and hearing Canadians.
The story of the Canadian Deaf experience is the story of men and women, both hearing and deaf. Some have achieved recognition for their feats of bravery, for their pioneering spirit, for their courage in the face of adversity, for their determination to succeed regardless of the situation in which they found themselves. Others have added colour and texture to the Canadian tapestry through accomplishments in education, the arts, religion, science, writing and publishing, business and sports. The pages of Deaf Heritage in Canada bring to life the stories of these people.
Dr. Carbin describes Deaf Heritage in Canada as "a window through which we can catch a glimpse of deaf Canadians as they go about their everyday lives, responding to events around them and making a difference in the future of their local Deaf communities." As such, it provides all Canadians with a fascinating and unique insight into the lives of deaf Canadians. It also provides, for deaf and hearing Canadians alike, an appreciation and understanding of the valuable contribution deaf Canadians have made and are continuing to make to the Canadian cultural mosaic.
Deaf Heritage in Canada tells the story of Deaf Canadians (the events, individuals, and societal attitudes that have shaped their lives) and the impact they have had on our country.
In a fascinating narrative, author Dr. Clifton F. Carbin covers their history and culture from many different perspectives:
* Early attitudes toward deaf people and their education form Biblical times to the late 19th century
* Early efforts in the United states to educate deaf students
* A detailed look at the establishments of schools for deaf children across Canada
* Social, cultural, religious, and literary organizations established by deaf people
* Deaf settlers in the prairie provinces
* Occupations of deaf Canadians (examining a variety of trades and professions)
* Publications of, for, and by deaf Canadians
* Sign languages in Canada
* Deaf people in the visual and performing arts
* Sports and deaf Canadian athletes
* The little-known story of deaf Canadians' involvement in the world wars
* Deaf people and technology
* Their struggles and achievements to keep certain social, educational, and civil rights
* Ways deaf Canadians have honoured, remembered, and have made their culture visible
The stories and historical information within these pages reveal a community determined to contribute to their country's heritage by leading fulfilling personal lives. What emerges for all Canadians to appreciate is a heritage that is rich in its diversity, culture, language, and history.
The text is illustrated throughout with almost 500 photographs.
