Learning About Indigenous Homelessness

Indigenous communities demonstrate remarkable resilience and cultural strength in the face of adversity, including the complex issue of homelessness. To fully understand the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals and families, it is crucial first to acknowledge and celebrate the unique strengths and resilience that exist within their respective communities.

Homelessness has disproportionately affected Indigenous families, particularly women and children, compared to the broader population. The impact of Indigenous homelessness extends beyond individuals and often affects entire families. In Calgary, for instance, despite Indigenous people making up only 3% of the population, approximately 30% of those experiencing homelessness have Indigenous ancestry. At Inn from the Cold, nearly 60% of the families we serve are Indigenous.

Indigenous peoples are more likely to face poverty, unemployment, and inadequate housing conditions. This disproportionate representation can be directly attributed to a complex interplay of factors rooted in Canada’s history of colonization and exploitation. Historical trauma has led to the loss of land and cultural identity, while intergenerational trauma persists due to the legacy of residential schools and the Sixities Scoop. Systemic discrimination, both at the micro and macro levels, further exacerbates these challenges. Additionally, the lack of culturally appropriate services and support compounds the difficulties Indigenous individuals and families face in accessing and maintaining stable housing.

Addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in homelessness necessitates a comprehensive approach that not only addresses immediate housing needs but also focuses on long-term solutions. It is crucial to recognize and rectify the historical injustices and ongoing systemic barriers faced by Indigenous families. By doing so, we foster a sense of hope and empowerment, working collaboratively towards a future where all families, irrespective of their cultural background, have equitable access to safe and stable housing.

Being without a home from an Indigenous worldview is not simply a lack of accommodation or structural habitation but also isolation from their relationships to environment, family, cultural identity, and community.

Indigenous homelessness in Canada refers to a multifaceted and distinct form of homelessness experienced by Indigenous peoples that extends beyond the lack of a stable home. It encompasses the historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors contributing to disrupting Indigenous individuals, families, and communities from their traditional lands, cultures, and support systems.

The experiences of homelessness among Indigenous peoples in Canada differ from those of non-Indigenous populations. Indigenous homelessness acknowledges the impact of colonization, forced relocation, intergenerational trauma, and the loss of cultural identity and connection to the land. It recognizes the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives, strengths, and resilience in addressing homelessness and calls for policies and practices rooted in Indigenous worldviews, self-determination, cultural sensitivity, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.

For a greater understanding of Indigenous homelessness, we encourage you to check out the 12 Dimensions of Indigenous Homelessness. 

*Source: Summarized from the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, Definition of Indigenous Homelessness.

A strengths-based approach is crucial when addressing Indigenous homelessness as it acknowledges and celebrates Indigenous communities’ inherent strengths, resilience, and cultural richness. We foster a more holistic and empowering perspective by focusing on their strengths rather than solely on deficits or challenges. A strengths-based approach recognizes that Indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge, traditions, and community networks to inform effective solutions. It respects the self-determination of Indigenous peoples by involving them as active participants in the design and implementation of initiatives to address homelessness. By honoring their cultural identity, promoting community-led initiatives, and incorporating traditional practices, a strengths-based approach creates space for Indigenous communities to reclaim agency and determine their own pathways toward stable housing and well-being.

Through this collaborative and empowering lens, we can work towards reducing Indigenous homelessness and supporting the self-determination and flourishing of Indigenous communities.

Here are some important facts that highlight the significant challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada concerning homelessness and poverty:

While the statistics presented underscore the magnitude of Indigenous homelessness and poverty in Canada, it is essential to explore solutions that honour the existing resilience of Indigenous people. When addressing Indigenous homelessness in Canada, a range of recommended solutions have been proposed. Here is a list of potential approaches and strategies aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable solutions: