RESEARCH SUMMARY SERIES

Opportunities for Innovation: Indigenous Youth Coping With Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jennifer Dreaver, Executive Director, Ogimaawabiitong-Kenora Chiefs Advisory

Jo Henderson, Director; Senior Scientist, Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario

What is this research about?

This research project was designed to share the experiences of Indigenous youth – those ex-periencing or at-risk of homelessness in the Kenora district in Northwestern Ontario – whose voices have remained unheard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a significant gap in available Indigenous youth homelessness research.

It is important to provide information surrounding the gaps, barriers, and needs of Indigenous youth, including their views on improving health and social services. Hence, there is a need to give a voice to Indigenous youth and improve the programs/services they access to better meet their needs.

What did the researchers do?

The researchers conducted this study through inter-views, supported by a youth peer research assistant, in spaces that youth frequently occupy. Through in-terviews, accompanied by cultural items such as tra-ditional medicines, participants were given space to share their experiences of homelessness throughout the pandemic.

After interviews were completed, youth participants were invited to join focus groups and an Anishinaabe Symbol-based Reflection exercise. Art pieces were developed as another tool for youth participants to communicate their stories of homelessness.

What did the researchers find?

Funding

2019-2020 Open Call

Research Focus

Enhancing Outcomes for Indigenous Youth

Location

Kenora, Ontario

  1. This study highlights various gaps and barriers that Indigenous youth experience, including racism, stigma, age restrictions for homelessness services, safety issues, and a lack of culturally-safe services.
  2. Participants described numerous programs and services that they would rather benefit from: life skills training, supportive/transitional housing (particularly for youth transitioning out of the child welfare system), cultural connections, peer support, and services that are specific to youth rather than being joined with adult services; youth needs are drastically different from adults’ needs.

How can you use this research?

Service providers, funders, and decision-makers should review this research and identify the next steps they can take to improve services for Indigenous youth at risk or experiencing home-lessness. This information can be used to improve service delivery, leading to an impact that fosters more positive, welcoming, and responsive service experiences for Indigenous youth.