Join our newest LIVE webinar!

with Cindi Martin and Dr. Suzette Garay

November 15th - 1-3pm CST

A replay will be available for 30 days after the webinar if you cannot attend live.

Visual Description: Yellow to dark red ombre background. Title text reads the same as the title to the side. Cindi Martin is pictured on the left wearing a white button down shirt with curly brown hair. The middle image says "Bezhig Binese" with a gold circle around it, with a blue flower and a red flower and the outline of a hummingbird. Dr. Suzette Garay is pictured on the right with an Indigenous print wrap. Text on the bottom reads "Join us live on Zoom! November 15th 1-3pm CST, 0.2 RID PS CEUs Free for BEACON Academy Members, $40 for the public. FREE GIFT - If you attend this webinar LIVE, you will receive a free eBook "Who Claims Us? The Return, Repair, and Importance of Deaf Indigenous Leadership""

"Why Following the Lead of Deaf Indigenous Professionals Matters"

November Live Webinar with Cindi Martin and Dr. Suzette Garay

0.2 PPO PS CEUS

View the ASL Translation of this ad here!

Indigenous Webinar 2026.mov

This is going to be a culturally grounded, practice-focused session for interpreters, program managers, and allied professionals that examines ethical, linguistic, and cultural considerations when working with Indigenous Deaf professionals. The presentation highlights respectful collaboration, culturally appropriate decision making, community-centered consent, recognition of Indigenous sign language variation, and strategies for building long term, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Deaf communities and cultural consultants.

Come join us for this Live Webinar on November 15th. You won't want to miss this!

Target Audience: Working Interpreters

Educational Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

Identify key cultural and historical factors that shape interactions between interpreters and Indigenous Deaf professionals (e.g., colonization, language loss, community sovereignty)
Distinguish Indigenous sign language variation from regional/national majority sign languages and apply linguistically appropriate interpreting strategies.
Apply concrete do’s and don’ts for informed consent, confidentiality, role boundaries, and accommodations when working with Indigenous Deaf clients and colleagues.
Demonstrate methods for engaging community knowledge-holders and cultural consultants ethically and collaboratively.
Develop a short action plan for improving practice and building reciprocal relationships with local Indigenous Deaf communities.

About Your Presenters

Cindi Martin, Red Lake Ojibwe, is an Indigenous interpreter and Deaf consultant who teaches ASL, preserves cultural knowledge, and presents on Indigenous Deaf experiences; she is also a dedicated advocate. Her work through Bezhig Binese LLC strengthens representation and honors Native Deaf teachings. IG: @bezhigbinese

Dr. Suzette Garay- is a third generational Latine from South America, Nicaragua. Many of her familial members are deeply rooted in the Mayan indigenous ancestors’ ways, and she is a third member of her family who was born Deaf (non ASL-Spanish speaking only). She holds the following degrees: BA, MA. PSY.S, and a Ph.D. Her major areas of studies are Special Education with an emphasis on Deafness and Learning Disabilities, Psychology, and teaching of American Sign Language. She currently is a retired Educational Psychologist and teaches online PPO training courses and provides DEIB consultation services with various national and state organizations. She also owns a private practice working with many families, individuals, and private business owners about antiracist interpreting practices, accessibility, diversity, and is a staunch advocate with diverse Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf-Blind+ consumers.

Dr. Garay has been on a four-year journey so far learning the ways of the Indigenous life, Eldership, and what it means through the Oneida Indian Tribal Reservation in Green Bay, Wisconsin near her home. She also has invaluable personal experience and success teaching, evaluating, and mentoring diverse Deaf individuals and/or consumers from underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds. Dr. Garay can be reached at www.beaconinterpreteracademy.com .

Sign up today!

This chat is free for BEACON Academy members in our membership library and $40 for non-members.

If you sign up as a member but we cannot verify your membership, you will be contacted to remit payment prior to viewing this webinar.

BEACON Academy Member Sign Up

Non-Member Sign Up

BEACON Interpreter Academy is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.2 CEUs at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.

BEACON Interpreter Academy promotes and supports policies of non-discrimination and an environment that is mutually respectful and free from bias.

Requests for accommodations must be submitted to support@beaconinterpreteracademy.com.

Cancellation Policy:

In the event that this course has to be canceled, we will notify you within 48 hours. We will provide an alternative presentation date.

This webinar will be recorded and available to watch up to one month after the original presentation date.

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