HISTORY

In Manitoba, the presence of a school for Deaf students led to the creation of one of the earliest organizations for Deaf adults in that province - a literary society. Most, it not all, of the earlier clubs in the city were part of Winnipeg Community Centre of the Deaf (WCCD). Deaf organizations have changed their names for many years through hockey clubs, associations, and religious gatherings.

In the 1950's the members of the WCCD had a dream: to build a residence for senior Deaf citizens. The project was the inspiration of Sister Olivine Fiola, Missionary Oblate Sister, who started working with the Deaf people in Winnipeg in 1966.

Kiwanis Centre of the Deaf Inc. was incorporated, without share capital, on March 15, 1973 as a non-for-profit organization under the laws of the Province of Manitoba. Sister Olivine Fiola initiated the building of DCM and worked tirelessly until completion of the building in 1975.

On November 17, 1975, the first Elderly Persons Housing and Personal Care Facility for the Deaf (KCD & DCM) in Canada opened; the third of its kind in the world, along with facilities in New York and Los Angeles. KCD encompassed many more innovations and resources than that of a seniors' complex.

That dream was realized and surpassed on January 23, 1976 with the official opening of the Kiwanis Centre of the Deaf (KCD). The 200-unit complex, now known as Deaf Centre Manitoba (DCM), is unique in North America. The organization continues to meet at this site today.

The KCD was renamed DCM in 1990, which was a public housing project in Winnipeg built on Pembina Highway. The DCM is currently administered by a board of directors of which 51% must be from the Deaf community. Counting interim directors, Douglas Momotiuk, was the centre's 5th administrator and its first Deaf Executive Director ~ Clifton F. Carbin, 1996 (Deaf Heritage in Canada)

DCM Inc. (the “Centre”) is a registered charity and is exempt from income taxes under Section 149 (1)(f) of the Income Tax Act. The Manitoba Legislature passed a Private Member's Bill proposed by Mr. Reg Alcock that recognized American Sign Language as the native language of Deaf Manitobans.

The Deaf community, under the umbrella of the Deaf 2000 committee, has turned its energies toward developing exciting new programs, facilities, and service. Many of the pioneers who were so much a part of KCD and DCM are no longer involved, but their places continue to be filled by enthusiastic dedicated people. ~Ted Borsa, Write / Researcher (Deaf Centre Manitoba 25 years)

The story of Deaf Centre Manitoba almost 50 years. Many changes have occurred. The Centre's future is secure through the partnership and collaboration of the Deaf Organization, Institution, and the Community.

Present, each celebration always brings to the generation above all the Deaf community whose support keeps DCM sustainable. Most of the Board of Directors continue to serve the DCM, which is an Incorporated and Registered Charity. Former and new employee grow and strive to develop a new leading-edge to the Deaf Resource Centre (DRC) under the parent-organization of DCM Inc.