This resource supports Canadian communities to develop cultural competency and foster partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities during the Homelessness Partnering Strategy’s Coordinated Point-Time Count.
Due to the significant overrepresentation of Aboriginal Peoples among homeless populations in Canada, Aboriginal communities should play a major role in all efforts to understand and address Canadian homelessness, including in PiT Counts. PiT Counts provide the unique opportunity for meaningful collaboration between mainstream and Aboriginal communities, enabling diverse groups to come together to better understand the needs and experiences of marginalized community members. PiT Count data can also contribute to a more comprehensive picture of Aboriginal homelessness locally and nationally, enabling governments to tailor policies, services, and funding to meet the needs of this population. This resource will provide the information that PiT Count Coordinators and PiT Count Committees need to achieve these goals. This resource includes:
- An introduction to Aboriginal homelessness in Canada;
- A discussion of the importance of PiT Counts;
- An overview of the causes of Aboriginal homelessness;
- Guidance on conducting ethical research; and
- A list of practical strategies for fostering Aboriginal partnerships and cultural competency during your PiT Count.
Acknowledgements
The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is very grateful for the invaluable contributions of the Members of the Aboriginal Advisory Team: Cindy Sue Montana McCormack (SPRC of Hamilton), Dr. Yale Belanger (Associate Professor, University of Lethbridge, AB), Tina Slauenwhite (Executive Director, Tewegan Housing for Aboriginal Youth), and Jesse Thistle (Masters Candidate, University of Waterloo) The Aboriginal Advisory Team provided essential guidance and feedback during the development of this document. We thank the primary author, Kaitlin Schwan (PhD Candidate, University of Toronto), for developing and editing this section of the guide, in collaboration with Jesse Donaldson (National PiT Count Coordinator, COH).