Building Healthier Urban Communities: National Research Conference on Homelessness

This study used two indigenous methods to explore how culture and recreation programs at the Native Canadian Centre affected the well-being of Aboriginal adults living in Toronto. Using sharing circles, researchers asked participants about how their activities at the Centre affected their life and social networks. The pilot Anishnaabe Symbol-Based Reflection method allowed participants to reflect upon their experience at the Centre using symbols. A major theme explored by participants was the impact of colonization on the health, identity, and self-esteem of Aboriginal people today. Researchers are now seeking funding to further explore these emergent themes.