Research Library

Refugee decisions to vaccinate for COVID-19 are a complex interplay of factors which include individual perceptions, access barriers, trust, and COVID-19 specific factors, which contribute to lower vaccine uptake. To address this, the WHO calls for localized solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake for refugees and evidence to inform future vaccination efforts. However, limited evidence engages directly with refugees about their experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. To address this gap, researchers conducted qualitative interviews (N = 61) with refugees (n = 45), sponsors of refugees (n = 3), and key informants (n = 13) connected to local COVID-19 vaccination efforts for refugees in Calgary. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize themes related to vaccine perspectives, vaccination experiences, and patient intersections with policies and systems. Findings reveal that refugees benefit from ample services that are delivered at various stages, that are not solely related to vaccinations, and which create multiple positive touch points with health and immigration systems. This builds trust and vaccine confidence and promotes COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite multiple factors affecting vaccination decisions, a key reason for vaccination was timely and credible information delivered through trusted intermediaries and in an environment that addressed refugee needs and concerns. As refugees placed trust and relationships at the core of decision-making and vaccination, it is recommended that healthcare systems work through trust and relationships to reach refugees. This can be targeted through culturally responsive healthcare delivery that meets patients where they are, including barrier reduction measures such as translation and on-site vaccinations, and educational and outreach partnerships with private groups, community organizations and leaders. Refugee decisions to vaccinate for COVID-19 are a complex interplay of factors which include individual perceptions, access barriers, trust, and COVID-19 specific factors, which contribute to lower vaccine uptake. To address this, the WHO calls for localized solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake for refugees and evidence to inform future vaccination efforts. However, limited evidence engages directly with refugees about their experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. To address this gap, researchers conducted qualitative interviews (N = 61) with refugees (n = 45), sponsors of refugees (n = 3), and key informants (n = 13) connected to local COVID-19 vaccination efforts for refugees in Calgary. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize themes related to vaccine perspectives, vaccination experiences, and patient intersections with policies and systems. Findings reveal that refugees benefit from ample services that are delivered at various stages, that are not solely related to vaccinations, and which create multiple positive touch points with health and immigration systems. This builds trust and vaccine confidence and promotes COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite multiple factors affecting vaccination decisions, a key reason for vaccination was timely and credible information delivered through trusted intermediaries and in an environment that addressed refugee needs and concerns. As refugees placed trust and relationships at the core of decision-making and vaccination, it is recommended that healthcare systems work through trust and relationships to reach refugees. This can be targeted through culturally responsive healthcare delivery that meets patients where they are, including barrier reduction measures such as translation and on-site vaccinations, and educational and outreach partnerships with private groups, community organizations and leaders.
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A guide to the laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ people in various countries around the globe, including a list of the laws by country, as well as world maps indicating countries by type of offense criminalized and sentence type. Important resource to provide context for those working with LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants, as well as newcomers with LGBTQ+ children. A guide to the laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ people in various countries around the globe, including a list of the laws by country, as well as world maps indicating countries by type of offense criminalized and sentence type. Important resource to provide context for those working with LGBTQ+ refugees and immigrants, as well as newcomers with LGBTQ+ children.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The 2024 updated program logic model for the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association’s All Together Now Program. The 2024 updated program logic model for the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association’s All Together Now Program.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article revisits the radical roots of adult education for social change by developing community-based anti-racism education through participatory action research. Utilizing critical race theory (CRT) as its theoretical framework, the study incorporates principles of participatory action research (PAR) to conceptualize a model of anti-racism education in which community members and academics collaborate as equal partners throughout the process. The analysis identifies three key features of this approach: using individuals’ lived experiences as a foundation to understand contemporary forms of racism, emphasizing grassroots-level participation, and prioritizing an action-oriented aspect of community-based anti-racism education. By integrating CRT and PAR, this model aims to foster collaborative, equitable partnerships in anti-racism education across diverse communities and to position such education as a site for advocacy, emancipation, and institutional practice for social change. This article revisits the radical roots of adult education for social change by developing community-based anti-racism education through participatory action research. Utilizing critical race theory (CRT) as its theoretical framework, the study incorporates principles of participatory action research (PAR) to conceptualize a model of anti-racism education in which community members and academics collaborate as equal partners throughout the process. The analysis identifies three key features of this approach: using individuals’ lived experiences as a foundation to understand contemporary forms of racism, emphasizing grassroots-level participation, and prioritizing an action-oriented aspect of community-based anti-racism education. By integrating CRT and PAR, this model aims to foster collaborative, equitable partnerships in anti-racism education across diverse communities and to position such education as a site for advocacy, emancipation, and institutional practice for social change.
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Resettlement for refugee youth in Canada presents multifaceted challenges, notably in integrating into existing social structures, including sports and physical activity (PA) programs. Sports and PA programs can play a crucial role in promoting physical and mental well-being, yet refugee youth often face lower participation rates compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of a community-developed multi-sport program, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) multi-sport program, on the physical literacy (PL) development and psychosocial well-being of young refugees in Calgary, AB, Canada. The program aimed to equip refugee youth with the tools to embrace sports and PA opportunities in their new environment, fostering physical well-being and a sense of belonging. A total of 16 refugee youth participants between the ages of 13-19 years old (Mean age = 16.00±1.75, n =14 males) were recruited for this study and were living in temporary housing (M = 1.19 months on arrival) while being assisted by CCIS during their resettlement period. The study employed mixed methods, including the PLAY-basic tool and a modified PLAY-self questionnaire, to assess program effects on various PL domains. Qualitative data from focus group interviews and an ethnographic approach provided further insights into the program’s broader impact on well-being and social health. Resettlement for refugee youth in Canada presents multifaceted challenges, notably in integrating into existing social structures, including sports and physical activity (PA) programs. Sports and PA programs can play a crucial role in promoting physical and mental well-being, yet refugee youth often face lower participation rates compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of a community-developed multi-sport program, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) multi-sport program, on the physical literacy (PL) development and psychosocial well-being of young refugees in Calgary, AB, Canada. The program aimed to equip refugee youth with the tools to embrace sports and PA opportunities in their new environment, fostering physical well-being and a sense of belonging. A total of 16 refugee youth participants between the ages of 13-19 years old (Mean age = 16.00±1.75, n =14 males) were recruited for this study and were living in temporary housing (M = 1.19 months on arrival) while being assisted by CCIS during their resettlement period. The study employed mixed methods, including the PLAY-basic tool and a modified PLAY-self questionnaire, to assess program effects on various PL domains. Qualitative data from focus group interviews and an ethnographic approach provided further insights into the program’s broader impact on well-being and social health.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Alberta Immigrant Women & Children Centre (AIWCC) showcases a period of significant growth and achievement. Through programs like HIPPY, Youth Program, and Women Empowerment initiatives, the organization empowers newcomers to Edmonton through education, employment, and community engagement. Testimonials from HIPPY mothers reflect high satisfaction rates, with 93% finding the program helpful. The report also highlights achievements in serving children, youth, adults, and seniors, emphasizing the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of clients. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, AIWCC continues to make a positive impact in the lives of immigrants and refugees in Alberta. The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Alberta Immigrant Women & Children Centre (AIWCC) showcases a period of significant growth and achievement. Through programs like HIPPY, Youth Program, and Women Empowerment initiatives, the organization empowers newcomers to Edmonton through education, employment, and community engagement. Testimonials from HIPPY mothers reflect high satisfaction rates, with 93% finding the program helpful. The report also highlights achievements in serving children, youth, adults, and seniors, emphasizing the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of clients. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, AIWCC continues to make a positive impact in the lives of immigrants and refugees in Alberta.
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The Theory of Change for the All Together Now Program of the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association (EMCA). The aim of the program is to empower community leaders (called ‘animators’) from racialized and culturally diverse communities to help develop and strengthen the community. EMCA hopes to build bridges between community members, animators and mainstream stakeholders in the immigrant serving sector. The Theory of Change for the All Together Now Program of the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition Association (EMCA). The aim of the program is to empower community leaders (called ‘animators’) from racialized and culturally diverse communities to help develop and strengthen the community. EMCA hopes to build bridges between community members, animators and mainstream stakeholders in the immigrant serving sector.
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The CCIS Annual Report 2021-2022 highlights the organization’s commitment to empowering immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta. Celebrating 40 years of service, CCIS navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support vulnerable newcomers. The report outlines strategic initiatives, including the Afghan Resettlement Operation and the Land of Dreams urban farm project, which fosters community connection and food security. Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous experiences, CCIS aims to create an inclusive society where all individuals can thrive. The report reflects on achievements, partnerships, and the dedication of staff and volunteers in enhancing settlement services. The CCIS Annual Report 2021-2022 highlights the organization’s commitment to empowering immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta. Celebrating 40 years of service, CCIS navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support vulnerable newcomers. The report outlines strategic initiatives, including the Afghan Resettlement Operation and the Land of Dreams urban farm project, which fosters community connection and food security. Emphasizing the importance of Indigenous experiences, CCIS aims to create an inclusive society where all individuals can thrive. The report reflects on achievements, partnerships, and the dedication of staff and volunteers in enhancing settlement services.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

This article summarizes our experience conducting a community-based participatory evaluation (CBPE), engaging community stakeholders in planning, implementing and evaluating a community garden for immigrants. This approach may catalyse sustainable community action with immigrant communities. This article summarizes our experience conducting a community-based participatory evaluation (CBPE), engaging community stakeholders in planning, implementing and evaluating a community garden for immigrants. This approach may catalyse sustainable community action with immigrant communities.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) highlights a year of impactful initiatives and partnerships aimed at supporting immigrants and refugees in their settlement journey. From innovative projects like the Mindfulness-Based Employment Support (MBES) program to the Build Your Business (BYB) program fostering entrepreneurship, CCIS remains dedicated to empowering newcomers. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, CCIS prioritized the mental and emotional well-being of clients, ensuring their success in finding employment and integrating into Canadian society. Through collaboration with funders, partners, and visionary leaders like Fariborz Birjandian, CCIS continues to shape a brighter future for our community. The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) highlights a year of impactful initiatives and partnerships aimed at supporting immigrants and refugees in their settlement journey. From innovative projects like the Mindfulness-Based Employment Support (MBES) program to the Build Your Business (BYB) program fostering entrepreneurship, CCIS remains dedicated to empowering newcomers. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, CCIS prioritized the mental and emotional well-being of clients, ensuring their success in finding employment and integrating into Canadian society. Through collaboration with funders, partners, and visionary leaders like Fariborz Birjandian, CCIS continues to shape a brighter future for our community.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly