Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
At the CRDN, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) across all aspects of our work. We believe that embracing diverse voices and lived experiences strengthens our collective impact and brings us closer to a future where all people affected by rare diseases are supported and empowered.
We deeply value the unique contributions of our community—patients, caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, and partners—recognizing and respecting diversity in age, culture, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, race, spiritual beliefs, discipline, and perspective.
We are committed to actively identifying and removing barriers to participation, and to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. If you cannot access content or use features on any sections of the CRDN website or have other suggestions on how we can further improve the accessibility of our materials, please get in touch with us at info@canadianrdn.ca.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
The CRDN recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and perspectives in advancing our shared goals. We are committed to building meaningful, respectful relationships with Indigenous partners—listening, learning, and honouring their experiences as we work to improve the lives of all individuals affected by rare diseases.
We uphold the principles of respect, humility, and reciprocity, with the understanding that the journey towards reconciliation is a continuous, collective journey that calls for action, accountability, and care.
As a national organization, our work spans the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of many Indigenous Peoples and Nations across what is now known as Canada. We acknowledge the profound and enduring connections that Indigenous communities hold with the lands, waters, and all living beings, and we honour their role as original knowledge keepers and stewards of these lands where we work and meet.