The research explores the ways in which community organizations connect with Indigenous People who have moved to urban spaces.
Our key goal is to learn what the organization means to the people who use their services and assess whether their needs are being met.
Findings hold promise for other community-based organizations to use arts-based tools to evaluate successes, gaps, and barriers in services.
We ran a digital storytelling workshop where participants created short 3-5 minute videos.
We also developed an online survey to to understand successes, gaps, and barriers to SIMFC programming.
My internship at the Saskatoon Indian Metis Friendship Centre was more than just an educational stepping stone.
It’s a testament to the strength we find in each other and the healing power of giving back.
My goal was to lead these youth down a more positive path through hard work, labour, and counselling.
Once they find out they can do something with their hands, their whole mindset shifts.
There was no where to go, and we came here. There was always someone to talk to.
It’s a good place for us when we were stuck, they welcomed us.
I was fighting a losing battle.
The Friendship Centre reached down and pulled me up from the bottom.
Having these influences within our community is really important to help getting our foot in the door and to get connected again.
I grew up in the city.
I always wanted to go and learn to do things out in the wilderness, but I didn’t know where to begin.
Friendship Centre is a home for a lot of our clients.
This is my second home, too.
Who we are is about friendship. It was a gathering place for people.
Being a part of it felt like home. It was a place where I could find comfort.
The Friendship Centre became a beacon of hope and identity for me.
Today, I strive to make it easier for others facing similar challenges by building a stronger more supportive community.
My stor ybegan with my mom working at SIMFC.
And now as I am older, I like coming back for the round dances, pow wows, and to connect more with my culture.
Dr. Henry is Métis from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and is a citizen of Métis Nation Saskatchewan. He holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Justice and Well-Being and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Henry is also the lead of the nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Networks and co-leads the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) National Coordinating Centre.
Dr. Gabel is Red River Métis from Rivers, Manitoba and is a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Well-Being, Community-Engagement and Innovation and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Aging and Society and the Indigenous Studies Department at McMaster University. Dr. Gabel is also the lead of the Indigenous Mentorship Network - Ontario and co-leads the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) National Coordinating Centre.
Alicia is a white settler originally from Regina, Saskatchewan. They are a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Health, Aging and Society at McMaster University and a research assistant in the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Alicia is an arts-based researcher who stands in solidarity with Indigenous women forced to manoeuvre Canada's prison systems. They are also the board chair for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan.