Grant: Operating Grant - PA: Aboriginal Ways of Knowing and Two-eyed Seeing (Bridge)

Historically, the relocation of First Nation communities has commonly occurred. Few studies have examined the health impacts of relocation as experienced by First Nations Peoples. In 2011, all members of Little Saskatchewan First Nation, located 225 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, experienced an emergency evacuation due to a human-made flood. To date, over 200 of the 700 on-reserve community members continue to reside in hotels or temporary housing in Winnipeg. Reports have emerged about premature deaths, suicides, miscarriages, mental health disorders, youth involvement in gangs, marital break-ups, along with worsening of chronic illnesses with no formal community health assessment. The aim of the 3-year study is to systematically document the health impacts of being displaced from the perspectives of Little Saskatchewan First Nation community members. Evacuation and relocation policies and procedures will be critically analyzed. A major outcome of this study will be the development of a network of First Nation communities and government organizations that are committed to promoting health and resiliency for those displaced. This study will develop a multi-disciplinary team composed of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal researchers. This study is significant in that it will systematically document the health impacts of displacement and formally evaluate evacuation, relocation, and health and social service policies. The study is practically significant in that participants and researchers will co-determine best strategies to promote resiliency and mitigate the negative impacts of displacement. Findings may be used to guide policy and program development and the evaluation of new and more inclusive service delivery models to First Nations Peoples experiencing displacement due to a natural disaster (forest fire, flood) or industrial development (hydro-electricity, mining, oil).