275 MacLaren Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 0L9
Research Start-up Summary and Abstract:
There is a growing population of homeless Aboriginal peoples in Saskatchewan, and the lack of research on Aboriginal two spirit peoples – a demographic that community organizations have reported has been largely ignored in homelessness research. The homeless population faces a number of different challenges and barriers when accessing housing services than non-Aboriginal, heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Further, systemic barriers like racism, homophobia, and transphobia that exist within institutions that provide housing services may lead to re-victimization of Indigenous two-spirit people, placing this group at high risk.
Engagement objectives:
The final report for this project will take the form of a written document and educational materials which will include a one pager for service providers, a briefing memo for policy makers, a community press release and a template for community presentations on this topic.
Research Questions:
How does homelessness impact two-spirit/queer Aboriginal people in urban centres in Saskatchewan? And, How can service providers and educators improve access to homeless two- spirit/queer Aboriginal people?
Collaborating Friendship Centre and/or other urban Aboriginal organization:
Two-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc. Out Saskatoon
Prince Albert Q-Network
TransSask Support Services, Inc.
Main contact/Principal Investigator:
Dr. Alex Wilson
Associate Professor, Educational Foundations University of Saskatchewan
[email protected]