Indigenous Research Brief and Indicators Honoring Our Knowledge Gifts - An Aboriginal Research Forum November 13, 2014 “Thoughts, words, and actions are sisters, and action is the oldest sister, the wisest sister.”

The Need for a New Journey FCSS Calgary is committed to a new contextual journey that places understanding the importance of the impacts of intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal people at the core of any future FCSS Calgary investments in programming.

Setting the Stage The Need for Translation What does prevention mean? What does best or promising practice mean? Are these terms culturally relevant?

Promising Healing Practices The Aboriginal Healing Foundation defined, “promising healing practices” as: “...models, approaches, techniques and initiatives that are based on Aboriginal experiences; that feel right to Survivors and their families; and that result in positive changes in people’s lives.”

Redefining Prevention A Healing Journey From funding symptoms to root causes: Intergenerational trauma, Identity, Social exclusion, and Effects of residential schools.

The Model Residential Schools Intergenerational Trauma Social Inclusion Identity SuicideHomelessnessYouth at RiskAddictions Domestic Violence Parenting Issues Senior Abuse Low or No Education IncarcerationHealth Issues Other types of abuse

The South Trauma and its Impacts – Understanding the issue Intergenerational trauma is a collective complex trauma inflicted on a group of people who share a specific group identity or affiliation —ethnicity, nationality, and religious affiliation. It is the legacy of numerous traumatic events a community experiences over generations and encompasses the psychological and social responses to such events.

The West Honoring What the Community Knows Lived personal experience; Lived programming experience; The value of culture, language and family; The value of Elders as guides and teachers.

The North Honoring the Present – Literature and Stories Intergenerational Trauma; Effects of Residential School; Identity Loss; Social Inclusion.

The East Healing Practices in Action Healing Practices in Urban Settings; Healing Practices for Métis People; Healing Practices for Aboriginal Youth; Healing Practices for Aboriginal Women; Practices for Increased Social Inclusion or a Sense of Belonging (Aboriginal Men).

The Indicators – Measurement not Meaning Historical Aboriginal Knowledge (Survey 049) 1.I have an understanding of the history of Aboriginal people in the world, for example, pre/post European contact, Residential Schools, “the 60’s scoop,” and local history. 2.I have an understanding of how I am affected by the impacts of inter-generational trauma as well as how inter-generational trauma affects Residential School survivors, other individuals, families, and communities. 3. I have an understanding of the resources and supports available to me (such as Elders or agencies) to process any impact of inter- generational trauma on myself, my family, or my community.

Demographic Results Survey 47 – Cultural Safety and Cultural Programming 127 people answered the survey; 6 questions; 3 programs used the survey; 109 pre and post tests.

Survey 47 Results Survey 47 – Cultural Safety and Cultural Programming

Demographic Results Survey 48 – Cultural Role Modelling and Mentoring 69 people answered the survey; 2 questions; 2 programs used the survey; 61 pre and post tests.

Survey 48 Results Survey 47 – Cultural Safety and Cultural Programming Vertical Analysis – Positive Difference

Demographic Results Survey 50 – Sense of Cultural Belonging and Feeling Supported 282 people answered the survey; 5 questions; 7 programs used the survey; 205 pre and post tests.

Survey 50 Results Survey 40 – Sense of Cultural Belonging and Feeling Supported Vertical Analysis – Positive Difference

What’s next….. Six new surveys in 2015: – Survey 52: Understanding Traditional and Community Based Parenting Practices; – Survey 53: Use of Traditional and Community Based Practices; – Survey 54: Traditional Healing Practices for Individuals; – Survey 55: Understanding the Impact of History as Part of the Healing Process; – Survey 56: Understanding Ceremony as Healing; – Survey 57: Accessing Ceremony for Healing.

Question/ Comments Thank you - Merci Sharon Goulet, MSW, RSW Indigenous Social Planner, FCSS Calgary City of Calgary, Community & Neighborhood Services