The Governors of the University of Alberta

Published purpose

Through this 26-month project, the University of Alberta will develop and put in place a decolonial, intersectional, arts-based, and strength-based program that supports Indigenous populations impacted by GBV, using a community-based methodology that is rooted in wâhkôhtowin (kinship) and miyopimatisowin (good health and wellness) to strengthen the GBV sector. It will address the lack of supports available for Indigenous women and 2S/LGBTQIA+ experiencing GBV by prioritizing Indigenous cultural perspectives, traditions, language, and protocols. To do so, the project will include a series of Indigenous-created and Indigenous-led, arts-based workshops on self-determination for Indigenous women and 2S/LGBTQIA+ with women who are either currently or were recently incarcerated, engage Indigenous men and boys to address and prevent GBV in a holistic way using the knowledge collectively produced, and revitalize grandmother cultural resources, knowledge, and teachings. Art creations, online digital stories, best practices for strength-based workshop development and facilitation will be shared with Indigenous communities and the GBV sector broadly so that others may adapt the program to create their own community resources. An external evaluator will measure and assess the impact of this promising practice.