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A HOMELESS HUB RESEARCH PAPER and generally low socio-economic status of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada today. In fact, some have argued that for as long as this nation has existed, Aboriginal Peoples in Canada have been marginalized both “spatially and imaginatively through the material practices of colonialism and biased modes of representation” (Peters 2000:45). These realities have played a large part in creating and sustaining the Aboriginal homelessness crisis. At least one team of scholars characterizes the multilayered discrimination and disadvantage Aboriginal Peoples face as a “legacy of subordination” because of the profoundly destructive effects of colonization (McCall et al. 2009). It is important to acknowledge Aboriginal Peoples experience homelessness and housing issues within a society that carries out routinized and naturalized discrimination against people of Aboriginal descent. It is also crucial to recognize that the concept of ‘home’ is not universal and that homelessness may not simply refer to the state of being without shelter. This is particularly true for Aboriginal Peoples. Being without a place to call home is one of the most severe manifestations of marginalization and deprivation in our society. The literature on this topic reveals that, despite shared historical and contemporary circumstances, there is no one pathway to becoming homeless or experiencing homelessness for Aboriginal Peoples. This is because homelessness is often the result of a complex interaction of factors at the individual level and at the societal level. Likewise, there is no singular solution to Aboriginal homelessness. An effective starting point through which to view this incredibly complex issue is provided by Bird et al. (2010:10), who conceptualize Aboriginal journeys into and out of homelessness as varied pathways (see Figure 1): This review ultimately hopes to reveal some of the positive and productive pathways forward through both insights and examples provided by the existing literature. This review steers its course in the direction of Walker and Barcham’s (2010:318) position, as they declare that, “Aboriginal quality of life can be improved only on Aboriginal peoples’ own terms and not prepackaged Eurocentric terms.” 11
ABORIGINAL HOMELESSNESS IN CANADA: A LITERATURE REVIEW Definitions of Home and Homelessness When understanding the issue of Aboriginal homelessness, it may necessary to interrogate the notion of ‘home’ altogether, as the term has different meanings depending on one’s identity and perspective. Much of the literature on the topic of Aboriginal homelessness acknowledges that this population often has connections, resources, temporary stability or roots in more than one place. Aboriginal Peoples are often mobile between spaces and may travel to and from reserves on a regular basis (Peters and Robillard 2009, Letkemann 2004, Skelton 2002). However, it may not always be productive to make clear ‘urban/reserve’ distinctions for Aboriginal populations, as several First Nation reserves exist within urban zones 3 (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada 2008) or resemble urban ghettoes (Letkemann 2004). The lived experiences of homeless Aboriginal Peoples are diverse. Many authors have described the survival strategies, mobility patterns and emotional responses of this population in detail (Berman et al. 2009, Ruttan et al. 2008, Scott 2007, Bridgman 2006, Bridgman 2003). Several scholars have taken the position that the opposite of ‘homelessness’ is not ‘housing,’ but instead ‘home’ to acknowledge a particular set of social relations often linked with notions of family and social support (Klodawsky 2006, Watson 1988). This perspective is valuable when imagining solutions to the Aboriginal homelessness epidemic. Generally speaking, the definition of ‘homelessness’ has expanded in recent years, as academics and stakeholders have become more aware of the complexities of being without adequate housing. The Canadian Homelessness Research Network (CHRN), a national homelessness research and knowledge exchange group and publisher of this review, has developed the ‘Canadian Definition of Homelessness’ as follows: Homelessness describes the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, stressful and distressing (CHRN 2012:1). CHRN maintains that homelessness can include a variety of living circumstances, broken down into the following categories: 1. Unsheltered, or absolutely homeless and living on the streets or in places not intended for human habitation. 2. Emergency Sheltered, including those staying in overnight shelters for people who are homeless, as well as shelters for those impacted by family violence. 3. Provisionally Accommodated, referring to those whose accommodation is temporary or lacks security of tenure. 4. At Risk of Homelessness, referring to people who are not homeless, but whose current economic and/or housing situation is precarious or does not meet public health and safety standards. 12 3. For example, Asimakaniseekan Askiy in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which is home to the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and Wendake near Québec City, Québec, which is home to the Huron-Wendat First Nation.
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