Challenging Structural Racism and Violence in Policy and Practice for Indigenous Families Experiencing Homelessness in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Background: Canada’s settler history and legacy impacts of colonialization mean that policy is grounded in Eurocentric ideals which exacerbate vulnerabilities for Indigenous families due to gendered and racialized experiences. Objectives: Our purpose was to understand the experiences of Indigenous women as they try to secure safe affordable housing for themselves and their children. Methods: We utilized a community-based approach and interviewed 12 urban Indigenous women with current or recent experiences of homelessness. Results: Structural violence and racism manifested in three ways: trauma leads to homelessness which leads to trauma; systems level siloes cause further trauma; the search for housing leads to fear of violence. Conclusion: The existence of multiple polices and frameworks to prevent human rights and housing violations are inadequate in protecting Indigenous women and children from racism and violence in Alberta Canada. An anticolonial approach is necessary to review and align mainstream policy. This work must be led by lived experience experts.