Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network, Prairie Research Centre (SSHRC)

Project Timeline: September 2014 - July 2015

Principal Investigator: Dr. Alex Wilson
Graduate Research Assistants: Ryan Jimmy and Ranjan Datta 

Description: In Saskatchewan there have been recent efforts to address the issues of homelessness in urban centres, however these efforts have not addressed the high rates of homelessness among Indigenous two-spirit people. This demographic faces a number of systemic barriers in accessing housing and housing services in urban centres, yet their concerns remain largely absent in literature pertaining to homelessness in Saskatchewan. 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.

The graduate research assistants, Ryan and Ranjan, were hired in October 2014. They have presented this research at the Graduate Student Association 2015 Conference, ‘Curiosity,’ and at the College of Education’s Celebration of Research day. Ryan also presented this study at CINSA 2015: Survivance &Reconciliation: 7 Forward / 7 Back conference at Concordia University in Montreal, QC in June 2015.  This project helped AERC establish community collaborations with the following organizations:  Two-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc., Out Saskatoon, Prince Albert Q-Network, and TransSask Support Services, Inc.

SSHRC

Project Timeline:  2008-2016

Partner Institutions: Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) at the University of Toronto in association with the University of Western Ontario; Dalhousie University; University of Saskatchewan; University of British Columbia

Principal Investigator (Saskatchewan Hub): Dr. Marie Battiste

The Canadian Prevention Science Cluster (CPSC) funded by a SSHRC grant held at the University of Toronto brings together leading researchers and practitioners from across Canada who are dedicated to reducing violence and abuse and promoting healthy relationships among youth.  A main objective is to merge existing networks and best practices across a range of domains that intersect at the point of effective and sustainable school- and community-based violence prevention initiatives.  One of four regional hubs, the Aboriginal Education Research Centre at the University of Saskatchewan will maximize impact of existing and emerging initiatives by integrating a range of innovative activities that include effective school-based programs, youth-led initiatives, and the training of future educators and researchers.

More Information

Publications: A tri-annual newsletter is written and distributed by Canadian Safe Schools Network and Saskatchewan Teachers Federation in collaboration with AERC.

SSHRC Insight Grant

Project Timeline: 2014-2018

Principal Investigator: Dr. Pauline Wakeham, University of Western Ontario 
Co-Investigator, Dr. Alex Wilson
Research Assistant (Saskatchewan): Elaine Alexie