Canadian Deaf Women's Conference was built on the vision and dedication of Deaf women leaders. In 2005, Janice "JJ" Jickels, a Deaf woman from Vancouver, British Columbia, was chosen to lead a local committee to plan and fundraise for a national gathering of Deaf women in Canada.
The 2007 conference brought together a "core committee" and the members were: Janice Jickels (Chairperson), Suzie Giroux (Treasurer), Leanor Vlug (Secretary), Hester Hussey (Registration & Tourism), Lois Wood (Program Book, Workshops, and Exhibits), Lisa Anderson (Workshops Assistant), and Marjorie Cameron (Assistant to the Chairperson / Website Liaison). Through tireless work, countless hours of planning, and grassroots fundraising, they created a vibrant, community-driven event that inspired women across Canada.
Today, we continue that legacy by empowering all Deaf, DeafBlind, and Deaf Plus women in a barrier-free, inclusive space for leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and collective activism.
July 15th — 18th, 2026
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Access is at the heart of what we do. ASL interpretation, captioning, and accessible venues ensure every woman can fully participate.