Council Proclaims October as Dwarfism Awareness Month

At the October 21 meeting, Mississippi Mills Council officially proclaimed the month of October as Dwarfism Awareness Month.

To mark the occasion and honour October 25 as Dwarfism Awareness Day, the falls and Almonte Old Town Hall will be lit in green on the evening of October 24.

The full proclamation:

WHEREAS during October, we raise awareness of dwarfism, a genetic condition that causes people to be of short stature and can result in medical complications. It is an opportunity to educate the public about dwarfism, helping to diminish stereotypes and negative misconceptions. We celebrate people with dwarfism and the many valuable contributions they make to our municipality.

During Dwarfism Awareness and Acceptance Month, we also highlight the accessibility needs for people with dwarfism. While people with dwarfism are active and integral members of our communities, we must continue the vital work of identifying and addressing barriers to full participation in society. There are over 400 types of dwarfism, each with its own unique set of physical, psychological, and social differences.

The language we use to describe members of this community is an important equity issue. Harmful terms that are associated with dwarfism should be avoided, and it is important to remember that individuals are not defined by their condition. We recognize that people with dwarfism are active members of society, and we must identify and address barriers to full participation.

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills is committed to removing obstacles and stigmas that prevent people from participating in our municipality. We can offer our support by educating ourselves to better understand the daily barriers that people with dwarfism encounter in our society.

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills thanks organizations that are committed to raising awareness of barriers that impact residents, while offering support to help improve people’s health and well-being.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Christa Lowry, on behalf of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, do hereby proclaim October 2025 as “Dwarfism Awareness and Acceptance Month” in Mississippi Mills.