An Exploration of Addictions Recovery among Aboriginal Peoples who utilize the Friendship Centre in Saskatoon: A Holistic Approach to Healing

Research Start-up Summary and Abstract:
This research project intends to explore addiction recovery among urban Aboriginal clients who utilize the Friendship centre in Saskatoon. The study aims to develop our understanding of ‘How chemically dependent Aboriginal people recover from addictions’ using qualitative research methodologies. The research questions explore the following: What are the most important factors that lead to addictions recovery from the perspective of Aboriginal people who utilize the Friendship Centre? What do Aboriginal clients who utilize the Friendship Centre identify as factors that lead to addictions recovery? What do Aboriginal people who utilize the Friendship Centre perceive as barriers to healing from addictions? What do Aboriginals clients who utilize the Friendship Centre perceive that needs to be done to promote addictions recovery? The study will employ qualitative interviewing methods, Aboriginal circle dialogue, ethnography and case study, to examine how urban Aboriginal People who utilize the Friendship Centre perceive addictions recovery.

Abstract PDF: UAKN-Prairie-Abstract_An-Exploration-of-Addictions-Recovery-among-Aboriginal-Peoples_John-Hansen_Saskatoon1

Final Paper PDF: UAKN Prairie RRC Final Paper_An Exploration of Addictions Recovery_Hansen

Final Paper/Journal Publication: Aboriginal Policy Studies Journal  available here

Research Brief: UAKN Research Brief_An Exploration of Addictions Recovery among Aboriginal Peoples who utilize the Friendship Centre in Saskatoon_2015

• Saskatoon’s Urban Aboriginal Identity Population (2011, NHS)

  9.3% (23,895) of Saskatoon’s population identifies as Aboriginal, 9.8% (25,350) report having Aboriginal ancestry.
• 49.2% are First Nation, 48.2% are Metis, less than 1% are Inuit and 2.2% report having multiple or other Aboriginal identities.