History - A brief History of the Norwest Deaf Outdoors Club

Norwest Deaf Outdoors Club was established in September 1978 under the old name “Norwest Deaf Four Wheelers”. During the time before in 1978, originally it began with a small group of Deaf people who were interested in the outdoors with their 4x4 vehicles, motorbikes, and camping in the wild. They discussed the establishment of the club so it eventually was in process until September 1978. It was held in the old Deaf Lutheran Church on Kingsway and Rupert with the help of the hearing 4x4 club and Beryl Kalk was there as our volunteer interpreter. We came up with the name “Norwest Deaf four Wheelers”. Ian Macalister was our first President of the club.

Eventually the club grew with more members. Most of the members loved the outdoors but it seemed that the 4x4 vehicles grew less and less. By 1986, we decided to change then name from Norwest Deaf Four Wheelers to Norwest Deaf Outdoors Club. Why? The reason the 4x4 vehicles had been too costly for the Deaf and those who started to raise the family but they never die as they love the outdoors camping. We decided that the wording outdoors, which can mean for anything with the pleasure of the life outside of the cities in the wild with several activities such as camping, canoeing, boating, hiking, Recreation Vehicles, and many more. To date today as we have success with several activities and thrive for more in the future as most of us are getting older and we will never give up. As well you all know that our theme” Our Family Tradition Stays Alive”.