Please note, this is not an open access database or repository. We have focused on creating simple summaries of reports and articles that we have accessed through websites and academic journals, with a focus on key findings, so that even if a full report is not free to access you can reference it. When possible, we include a link to wherever the original document is hosted (which may or may not be open-access). If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it. There are also some reports that will have been submitted directly to the project. In this case, these reports are uploaded directly with permission from the author or publisher. Any original documents found on this site are stored in Canada on our secure servers
Current industrialized food systems have detrimental consequences for people and the planet. Relocalizing food systems offers one strategy to mitigate these harms; advocates point to opportunities for ecological, economic, and social benefits as reason to localize food production. However, the assumption that the local is inherently preferable to the global can lead academics, practitioners, and consumers into the local trap. With increasing ethnic diversity in Canada, the perception that local is inherently good and global is inherently bad can translate into defensive and exclusionary tendencies towards the food preferences and practices of newcomers, immigrants and refugees. While the literature identifies various manifestations of the local trap, it offers limited investigation of strategies that may overcome this pitfall. In contrast to defensive localism, alternative conceptualizations of scale may support action in favour of collaborative, inclusive, and diversity-receptive outcomes in food systems. Therefore, in this thesis, I aim to identify strategies that may include the food preferences and practices of newcomers while also addressing problematic aspects of industrial food systems. I also seek to
understand the mechanisms and conceptualizations that enable such strategies. To accomplish this, 1) I completed a literature analysis to synthesize potential strategies and models and 2) empirically explored food practices and goals of the EthniCity Catering program (Centre for Newcomers) in Calgary, Alberta to illustrate the potential application of such strategies in a specific time and place. This thesis hopes to offer theoretical contributions to geographical discussions on scale in food systems as well as practical implications for food system practitioners. Current industrialized food systems have detrimental consequences for people and the planet. Relocalizing food systems offers one strategy to mitigate these harms; advocates point to opportunities for ecological, economic, and social benefits as reason to localize food production. However, the assumption that the local is inherently preferable to the global can lead academics, practitioners, and consumers into the local trap. With increasing ethnic diversity in Canada, the perception that local is inherently good and global is inherently bad can translate into defensive and exclusionary tendencies towards the food preferences and practices of newcomers, immigrants and refugees. While the literature identifies various manifestations of the local trap, it offers limited investigation of strategies that may overcome this pitfall. In contrast to defensive localism, alternative conceptualizations of scale may support action in favour of collaborative, inclusive, and diversity-receptive outcomes in food systems. Therefore, in this thesis, I aim to identify strategies that may include the food preferences and practices of newcomers while also addressing problematic aspects of industrial food systems. I also seek to
understand the mechanisms and conceptualizations that enable such strategies. To accomplish this, 1) I completed a literature analysis to synthesize potential strategies and models and 2) empirically explored food practices and goals of the EthniCity Catering program (Centre for Newcomers) in Calgary, Alberta to illustrate the potential application of such strategies in a specific time and place. This thesis hopes to offer theoretical contributions to geographical discussions on scale in food systems as well as practical implications for food system practitioners.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Sport participation is popularly constructed as a key aspect of integration for newcomers into their new countries of residence. These claims, however, are critiqued by sport and migration researchers. While newcomer sport participation is receiving increasing scholarly interest, lived experiences of newcomers in introductory winter sport programmes and the (in)efficacy of such programmes remains underexplored. Winter sports hold a central place within Canadian culture and identity, making the intersection between winter sport, immigration, integration, and Canadian identity a timely topic of investigation. This thesis explored the realities of designing and implementing introductory
winter sport programmes as well as the lived experiences of newcomer participants in Calgary, AB. First, six Canadian Intro to Sport programmes in Calgary involving newcomers were examined. Results from this study were incorporated into designing the WinSport Newcomers Programme (WNP) in WinSport Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, AB. The WNP is an intersectoral community partnership comprising sport administrators, settlement service practitioners from three separate organizations, and me. I adopted a qualitative case study research design to explore the lived experiences of WNP participants and their parents as well as the (in)efficacy of the WNP as an
intersectoral community partnership. Results illuminated the value of winter sport participation
for newcomers to Canada as well as various challenges facing the sustainability of newcomer winter sport participation. The WNP represents a maturing intersectoral community partnership that has excelled at introducing newcomers to Canadian winter sports. Yet, various weaknesses (e.g., collaborators negotiating job-related time pressures) are obstructing the collaboration’s effectiveness. Together, the results critique and identify shortcomings in newcomer introductory winter sport programmes, while also offering important insights into how newcomer introductory winter sport programmes may be designed to foster positive outcomes. Sport participation is popularly constructed as a key aspect of integration for newcomers into their new countries of residence. These claims, however, are critiqued by sport and migration researchers. While newcomer sport participation is receiving increasing scholarly interest, lived experiences of newcomers in introductory winter sport programmes and the (in)efficacy of such programmes remains underexplored. Winter sports hold a central place within Canadian culture and identity, making the intersection between winter sport, immigration, integration, and Canadian identity a timely topic of investigation. This thesis explored the realities of designing and implementing introductory
winter sport programmes as well as the lived experiences of newcomer participants in Calgary, AB. First, six Canadian Intro to Sport programmes in Calgary involving newcomers were examined. Results from this study were incorporated into designing the WinSport Newcomers Programme (WNP) in WinSport Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, AB. The WNP is an intersectoral community partnership comprising sport administrators, settlement service practitioners from three separate organizations, and me. I adopted a qualitative case study research design to explore the lived experiences of WNP participants and their parents as well as the (in)efficacy of the WNP as an
intersectoral community partnership. Results illuminated the value of winter sport participation
for newcomers to Canada as well as various challenges facing the sustainability of newcomer winter sport participation. The WNP represents a maturing intersectoral community partnership that has excelled at introducing newcomers to Canadian winter sports. Yet, various weaknesses (e.g., collaborators negotiating job-related time pressures) are obstructing the collaboration’s effectiveness. Together, the results critique and identify shortcomings in newcomer introductory winter sport programmes, while also offering important insights into how newcomer introductory winter sport programmes may be designed to foster positive outcomes.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
This study sought to determine the role pedagogical love can play in the emotional experience of (Arabic-speaking) refugee families in Calgary, Canada, as they engaged with the public education system at the Grade 4–12 level. This study sought to determine the role pedagogical love can play in the emotional experience of (Arabic-speaking) refugee families in Calgary, Canada, as they engaged with the public education system at the Grade 4–12 level.
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This report presents an overview of the work that the EMCN has done in 2020 to help newcomers in Edmonton. These include the expansion of their language delivery programs; provision of online support for the Settlement in Schools program on top of its phone and face to face services; increased participation for the Safe Families Program; and many others. The year 2021 also celebrates 40 years of the EMCN. This report presents an overview of the work that the EMCN has done in 2020 to help newcomers in Edmonton. These include the expansion of their language delivery programs; provision of online support for the Settlement in Schools program on top of its phone and face to face services; increased participation for the Safe Families Program; and many others. The year 2021 also celebrates 40 years of the EMCN.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The purpose of this qualitative arts-informed and play-based case study was to explore and better understand how young newcomer children use common childhood activities of play and personal art-making as tools or vehicles of communication, for exploration of their ideas and sharing perspectives, and to demonstrate what they considered personally significant about their everyday lives and experiences. The research study was guided by the following questions: 1) What are the personally significant experiences and influences in young newcomer children’s daily lives?; 2) How do young newcomer children use play and personal art-making to understand, negotiate, and make sense of experiences, and communicate the personally significant? and; 3) How do adults support young newcomer children’s play and personal art-making and their communication of the personally significant? The purpose of this qualitative arts-informed and play-based case study was to explore and better understand how young newcomer children use common childhood activities of play and personal art-making as tools or vehicles of communication, for exploration of their ideas and sharing perspectives, and to demonstrate what they considered personally significant about their everyday lives and experiences. The research study was guided by the following questions: 1) What are the personally significant experiences and influences in young newcomer children’s daily lives?; 2) How do young newcomer children use play and personal art-making to understand, negotiate, and make sense of experiences, and communicate the personally significant? and; 3) How do adults support young newcomer children’s play and personal art-making and their communication of the personally significant?
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
This practical guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to get resettled in Lloydminster, AB. For example, where to get your SIN and sign up for Alberta healthcare in Lloydminster, where to get a free CLBPT in the city, how to start your bank account and finances in Alberta, and fun activities, community organizations and places to visit in the area. This practical guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to get resettled in Lloydminster, AB. For example, where to get your SIN and sign up for Alberta healthcare in Lloydminster, where to get a free CLBPT in the city, how to start your bank account and finances in Alberta, and fun activities, community organizations and places to visit in the area.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The report presents research findings on the challenges faced by different communities, examines these findings in light of stakeholders’ experiences and insights, and explores the strengths and weaknesses of these communities. The report highlights key areas of concern for Black community leaders and organizations in Edmonton, AB and across Canada, including issues related to accessibility, professional integration, social and cultural isolation, minority statuses, and shifting identity. A systematic analysis is currently underway to expand on this preliminary report. The report presents research findings on the challenges faced by different communities, examines these findings in light of stakeholders’ experiences and insights, and explores the strengths and weaknesses of these communities. The report highlights key areas of concern for Black community leaders and organizations in Edmonton, AB and across Canada, including issues related to accessibility, professional integration, social and cultural isolation, minority statuses, and shifting identity. A systematic analysis is currently underway to expand on this preliminary report.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Immigrant and refugee (im/migrant) families settled in Alberta (AB) are often challenged to overcome structural barriers (i.e., accent discrimination, English as a foreign language, culture shock) in the way of navigating and actively utilizing vaccination services. Research is scarce on the impact of childhood vaccination policies on children of im/migrants in Alberta. The objective of this study was to use an intersectionality-based evaluation framework, inclusive of health equity principles, to critically analyze and investigate current Alberta jurisdictional (AJ) childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance. More specifically, the focus of this research was to examine equity considerations in the policies as it relates to vaccinations of im/migrant children. This critical policy analysis inquired and sought to find out to what extent vaccination of children of im/migrants are equitably accounted for in the Alberta context. Relevant sources on Alberta childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were retrieved from the Government of Alberta (GoA) and the Government of Canada (GoC) websites. Initial and retroactive searches, within a 15 year range, led to the content analysis of a total of 25 eligible GoA and GoC-AJ document(s) using an intersectionality-based health equity lens (acknowledgment of impact of immigration status and race/ethnicity on health). All of the childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were found to lack acknowledgement of the existence of structural barriers that im/migrant families face. Recommendations for more inclusive vaccination policies are discussed. Immigrant and refugee (im/migrant) families settled in Alberta (AB) are often challenged to overcome structural barriers (i.e., accent discrimination, English as a foreign language, culture shock) in the way of navigating and actively utilizing vaccination services. Research is scarce on the impact of childhood vaccination policies on children of im/migrants in Alberta. The objective of this study was to use an intersectionality-based evaluation framework, inclusive of health equity principles, to critically analyze and investigate current Alberta jurisdictional (AJ) childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance. More specifically, the focus of this research was to examine equity considerations in the policies as it relates to vaccinations of im/migrant children. This critical policy analysis inquired and sought to find out to what extent vaccination of children of im/migrants are equitably accounted for in the Alberta context. Relevant sources on Alberta childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were retrieved from the Government of Alberta (GoA) and the Government of Canada (GoC) websites. Initial and retroactive searches, within a 15 year range, led to the content analysis of a total of 25 eligible GoA and GoC-AJ document(s) using an intersectionality-based health equity lens (acknowledgment of impact of immigration status and race/ethnicity on health). All of the childhood vaccination policies and policy guidance were found to lack acknowledgement of the existence of structural barriers that im/migrant families face. Recommendations for more inclusive vaccination policies are discussed.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Most immigrants and refugees lose their Heritage Language (HL) within one to three generations of moving to Canada. This study addresses a major gap in language education research about the potential of arts-based curricula to support the HL development and maintenance (HLDM) of multilingual youth in Canada and counter rapid HL loss. Anchored within an arts-based research paradigm, this study explores two research questions: 1) What contributions might arts-based curricula make to our understanding of HL development and maintenance in Alberta? and 2) How might arts-based practices support Spanish HL youth learners’ language and literacy experiences and aspirations? The two research questions were explored through a case study of a month-long digital Spanish Art Camp in August 2020 with nine participating Spanish HL youth learners aged 13-18. Data collection included pre- and post-camp individual semi-structured interviews, participants’ multimedia artworks, their online interactions on Zoom and Slack, our recorded individual and group art sessions, and my observations and arts-based field-notes. Data revealed how arts-based curricula (such as self-portraiture, bilingual poetry, protest art, illustration, photography, video, animation, and painting) can support the literacy and language development of HL youth, facilitate identity exploration and relationship building in the HL, and boost learner engagement and motivation. Being the first study of its kind in Canada to creatively combine HLDM and arts-based research, it presents an original contribution to language education research. In addition, the study includes a rich contextual chapter, where Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979) is used to trace three chronosystems in Canada’s history in relation to HL policies, planning, programs, and practices. It also features a unique literature review of 96 studies pertaining to language learning through the arts, revealing the gaps in research on youth HL development and maintenance through the arts in Canada. Most immigrants and refugees lose their Heritage Language (HL) within one to three generations of moving to Canada. This study addresses a major gap in language education research about the potential of arts-based curricula to support the HL development and maintenance (HLDM) of multilingual youth in Canada and counter rapid HL loss. Anchored within an arts-based research paradigm, this study explores two research questions: 1) What contributions might arts-based curricula make to our understanding of HL development and maintenance in Alberta? and 2) How might arts-based practices support Spanish HL youth learners’ language and literacy experiences and aspirations? The two research questions were explored through a case study of a month-long digital Spanish Art Camp in August 2020 with nine participating Spanish HL youth learners aged 13-18. Data collection included pre- and post-camp individual semi-structured interviews, participants’ multimedia artworks, their online interactions on Zoom and Slack, our recorded individual and group art sessions, and my observations and arts-based field-notes. Data revealed how arts-based curricula (such as self-portraiture, bilingual poetry, protest art, illustration, photography, video, animation, and painting) can support the literacy and language development of HL youth, facilitate identity exploration and relationship building in the HL, and boost learner engagement and motivation. Being the first study of its kind in Canada to creatively combine HLDM and arts-based research, it presents an original contribution to language education research. In addition, the study includes a rich contextual chapter, where Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979) is used to trace three chronosystems in Canada’s history in relation to HL policies, planning, programs, and practices. It also features a unique literature review of 96 studies pertaining to language learning through the arts, revealing the gaps in research on youth HL development and maintenance through the arts in Canada.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The objective of this study is to identify locations of newcomers and jobs in Calgary and analyze transit-based job accessibility from the locations of newcomers to their prospective jobs. The cumulative opportunity measure is used to compute job accessibility, which counts the number of job opportunities that can be reached from each Dissemination Area in Calgary within a given travel time. In addition, this study examines transit-based job accessibility based on various commute times and jobs in different employment sectors. This study leads to the broad conclusion that newcomers in Calgary need more efficient transit services to deliver them to their potential job opportunities. Given that transit-based job accessibility varies considerably depending on the time of day and industry, time- and industry-specific approaches in transit planning will be helpful in efforts to improve newcomers’ transit- based job accessibility and, in turn, their chances for stable employment and settlement. The objective of this study is to identify locations of newcomers and jobs in Calgary and analyze transit-based job accessibility from the locations of newcomers to their prospective jobs. The cumulative opportunity measure is used to compute job accessibility, which counts the number of job opportunities that can be reached from each Dissemination Area in Calgary within a given travel time. In addition, this study examines transit-based job accessibility based on various commute times and jobs in different employment sectors. This study leads to the broad conclusion that newcomers in Calgary need more efficient transit services to deliver them to their potential job opportunities. Given that transit-based job accessibility varies considerably depending on the time of day and industry, time- and industry-specific approaches in transit planning will be helpful in efforts to improve newcomers’ transit- based job accessibility and, in turn, their chances for stable employment and settlement.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
