Grant: Project Grant

Our research team supports frontline Indigenous community health organizers who are leading the public health response to the twin housing and overdose fatality crisis in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. There are over 5000 people who live in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Hotels. Conditions in many SRO hotels are unlivable, yet they are the only option for people on low income, mental health survivors, sex workers, and people who use drugs. It is a colonial crisis of epic proportions: at least 35% of SRO tenants self-identify as Indigenous. But the twin crisis has also spurred a grassroots response led by Indigenous leaders in the DTES. While the crisis is predominantly affecting Indigenous men, the response is largely led by women and 2SLGBTQ+ leaders in the community, including among our team. Building on our previous research in support of housing and harm reduction organizing led by SRO tenants, we propose a project that strengthens our team by "holding space" for our Indigenous leaders, protecting them from harmful conditions of low pay and dangerous work, and supporting their ability to sustain themselves and their relations in a self-determined way. To do this, we will work with our partners and respected local Elders to organize five years of restorative Indigenous methodologies centred on land-based retreats and sharing circles that allow us to support each other, reflect on the trauma that surrounds us, and strengthen a wider coalition of Indigenous frontline organizations. This approach to research will ultimately tackle colonial processes in public health that have relied heavily on community-based Indigenous leaders to deliver culturally-appropriate care, while leaving them in short term, low wage contracts. Our partnership includes major grassroots organizations working in the DTES and to national Indigenous health organizations. Our project will make important contributions to the growing field of Indigenous public health in Canada.