"All we need is our land" : an exploration of urban Aboriginal homelessness
Date
2011
Authors
Weasel Head, Gabrielle
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Abstract
This thesis explores Blackfoot homelessness in relation to traditional attachments to Blackfoot territory. It addresses the underlying causes of Blackfoot homelessness in the city of Lethbridge. It speaks to the participants’ experiences of loss on a multitude of levels, disconnection from family and traditional community, and the complex notion of what “homelessness” means for the Blackfoot participants. The thesis uses a literature review to inform the study. The research methodology is a focused ethnography. Interviews with Blackfoot homeless participants were conducted at the city of Lethbridge’s homeless shelter in 2009 and 2010. Narrative analysis was used to interpret the data and the findings, and the subsequent discussion of them, were from a Blackfoot perspective. It is hoped that the information contained within this thesis will help those reading it to better understand Native homelessness and provide insights into the subjective nature of what it means to be “home.” The results of the findings also suggest ways for service providers to develop improved programming aimed at the Native homeless population.
Description
vi, 164 leaves ; 29 cm
Keywords
Homelessness -- Alberta -- Lethbridge , Kainai -- Alberta -- Lethbridge , Ampskapi Piikani -- Alberta -- Lethbridge , Indigenous peoples -- Alberta -- Social conditions , Indigenous peoples -- Alberta -- Economic conditions , Home -- Philosophy , Home -- Psychological aspects , Indigenous peoples -- Family relationships -- Alberta -- Lethbridge , Separation (Psychology) , Dissertations, Academic