I’taamohkanoohsin (everyone comes together): (Re)connecting Indigenous people experiencing homelessness and addiction to their Blackfoot ways of knowing.

Abstract

Addiction and homelessness are closely related outcomes for many Indigenous Canadians who live with extensive intergenerational trauma caused by residential school and the 60s Scoop. In recent years, the rise of opioid addiction along with related overdoses and mortalities in many parts of Canada has led to what is being called an opioid crisis. (Re)connection to Indigenous ways of knowing and practices are frequently seen as a path to healing; therefore, an innovative grassroots program was developed recently in a southern Alberta city to address addictions and homelessness within a largely Blackfoot population. The program increased access to traditional cultural resources and activities in a visible, downtown location to a population who are among the most marginalized in society. A Two-Eyed Seeing framework was used perform a program evaluation and analyze participant and key informant interviews. The results indicated that attendance connected people with their spirits, inspiring strength and hope for the future, and ameliorated spiritual homelessness. The program formed a safe space where relationships were strengthened, people felt respected, and meaningful activity away from substances was available.