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 If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it.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
Last year, Alberta launched a temporary 1 year driver’s license exchange program for Ukrainian refugees with a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s license. The goal of the program was to help refugees find and access employment and care for their families. As of April 18, 2024, this program is now permanent. Last year, Alberta launched a temporary 1 year driver’s license exchange program for Ukrainian refugees with a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s license. The goal of the program was to help refugees find and access employment and care for their families. As of April 18, 2024, this program is now permanent.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
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
This arts-based thesis is a research-creation of a photographic exploration of the concept of home and belonging for immigrants. Drawing on my personal experience as a photographer and an immigrant, I have shed light on my sense of homesickness and the loss of my sense of belonging in order to signify immigrants’ struggle in finding a place they can call home. This research paper is centered on the theories of “liminality,” the uncertain state of being in-between, of being neither here nor there, to discuss the transitional phase of separation from one’s homeland and integration into the new land. This liminality is a widespread experience in our modern era as mobility, immigration and separation from one’s home and the sense of being home is on the rise. I argue that photography is a therapeutic tool to overcome the lost sense of belonging as it helps me as an immigrant to contemplate on my transitional phase of life and gives me the opportunity to create bonds and connections with a lost home. This arts-based thesis is a research-creation of a photographic exploration of the concept of home and belonging for immigrants. Drawing on my personal experience as a photographer and an immigrant, I have shed light on my sense of homesickness and the loss of my sense of belonging in order to signify immigrants’ struggle in finding a place they can call home. This research paper is centered on the theories of “liminality,” the uncertain state of being in-between, of being neither here nor there, to discuss the transitional phase of separation from one’s homeland and integration into the new land. This liminality is a widespread experience in our modern era as mobility, immigration and separation from one’s home and the sense of being home is on the rise. I argue that photography is a therapeutic tool to overcome the lost sense of belonging as it helps me as an immigrant to contemplate on my transitional phase of life and gives me the opportunity to create bonds and connections with a lost home.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
This thesis explains the influence of African Indigenous Knowledge in the education and identities of Black African Immigrant graduate students in Alberta, situated within Canada’s multiculturalism. Black African immigrant students’ identities are formed and shaped by their African Indigenous experiences, which influences their socio-cultural development in Canada. Canada recognizes and promotes diversity and inclusion through the Federal Multiculturalism Act (1988), which preserves and enhances the multicultural heritage of all Canadians. This exploratory research explains how the exclusion of African Indigenous knowledge in the education of Black African students impacts them; whether a shift to acknowledge and validate African Indigenous knowledge would create a better educational impact for Black African Immigrant students; and how multiculturalism enables the diverse population to understand their human rights and support the reclaiming of self and identity. The study also looks at how the strategies adopted by the Indigenous people of Canada to reclaim their identities could inform the actions of Black Africans. This thesis explains the influence of African Indigenous Knowledge in the education and identities of Black African Immigrant graduate students in Alberta, situated within Canada’s multiculturalism. Black African immigrant students’ identities are formed and shaped by their African Indigenous experiences, which influences their socio-cultural development in Canada. Canada recognizes and promotes diversity and inclusion through the Federal Multiculturalism Act (1988), which preserves and enhances the multicultural heritage of all Canadians. This exploratory research explains how the exclusion of African Indigenous knowledge in the education of Black African students impacts them; whether a shift to acknowledge and validate African Indigenous knowledge would create a better educational impact for Black African Immigrant students; and how multiculturalism enables the diverse population to understand their human rights and support the reclaiming of self and identity. The study also looks at how the strategies adopted by the Indigenous people of Canada to reclaim their identities could inform the actions of Black Africans.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The City of Edmonton is a diverse and constantly evolving city. As more newcomers move to the city, the need for specific language resources changes and organizations must adapt to these changes. Edmonton has many organizations that specifically assist newcomers with integrating into society. These organizations include Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA), Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA), Action for Healthy Communities, Catholic Social Services and the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN), among others. Other organizations provide services to specific cultural groups, such as language and culture schools, which also assist newcomers. This thesis will discuss the research project “Mapping Spaces of Translation and Interpretation in Edmonton,” which mapped and
documented organizations that make use of translation and interpretation to provide services for newcomers, immigrants, and refugees, within Edmonton and surrounding areas. The project sought to research the following two questions: 1) How do organizations within the city of Edmonton that provide services to newcomers utilize translation (text-to-text) or interpretation (spoken/verbal) to facilitate their services? 2) What challenges do these organizations face in using translation and interpretation while providing their services? The City of Edmonton is a diverse and constantly evolving city. As more newcomers move to the city, the need for specific language resources changes and organizations must adapt to these changes. Edmonton has many organizations that specifically assist newcomers with integrating into society. These organizations include Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA), Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA), Action for Healthy Communities, Catholic Social Services and the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN), among others. Other organizations provide services to specific cultural groups, such as language and culture schools, which also assist newcomers. This thesis will discuss the research project “Mapping Spaces of Translation and Interpretation in Edmonton,” which mapped and
documented organizations that make use of translation and interpretation to provide services for newcomers, immigrants, and refugees, within Edmonton and surrounding areas. The project sought to research the following two questions: 1) How do organizations within the city of Edmonton that provide services to newcomers utilize translation (text-to-text) or interpretation (spoken/verbal) to facilitate their services? 2) What challenges do these organizations face in using translation and interpretation while providing their services?
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The Youth and Anti-Racism (YARI) Collective, a research project by Dr. Pallavi Banerjee and Dr. Pratim Sengupta at the University of Calgary, connects racialized refugee and newcomer youth to art, anti-racism and community experiences. On March 28, 2023 YARI hosted an interactive art and technology installation titled ‘Landings: Anti-Racist Futures in Stories’ highlighting the youth’s stories of love, friendships, grief and pain through various artistic mediums (e.g. stop motion animation). The Youth and Anti-Racism (YARI) Collective, a research project by Dr. Pallavi Banerjee and Dr. Pratim Sengupta at the University of Calgary, connects racialized refugee and newcomer youth to art, anti-racism and community experiences. On March 28, 2023 YARI hosted an interactive art and technology installation titled ‘Landings: Anti-Racist Futures in Stories’ highlighting the youth’s stories of love, friendships, grief and pain through various artistic mediums (e.g. stop motion animation).
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The immigrant population in Canada is rapidly increasing and projected to rise exponentially in the coming years. The immigrant population faces complex and diverse challenges when transitioning into a new country, and this occurrence may be uniquely experienced by youth, who are also navigating transitions in child development, most notably into adolescence. Embedded in a broader mixed methods pilot project, the aim of this thesis was to qualitatively investigate the impact of the Immigrant-based Physical Literacy for Youth (IPLAY) program on mental health and well-being. 21 Afghan refugee youth in Calgary, AB who participated in IPLAY were interviewed. Results indicated that youth held a holistic conceptualization of mental health, contrasting what is common practice in the field and literature. Such findings provide a rich tapestry of understanding into how newcomer youth define, understand, and experience mental health, and implications for stress management. The immigrant population in Canada is rapidly increasing and projected to rise exponentially in the coming years. The immigrant population faces complex and diverse challenges when transitioning into a new country, and this occurrence may be uniquely experienced by youth, who are also navigating transitions in child development, most notably into adolescence. Embedded in a broader mixed methods pilot project, the aim of this thesis was to qualitatively investigate the impact of the Immigrant-based Physical Literacy for Youth (IPLAY) program on mental health and well-being. 21 Afghan refugee youth in Calgary, AB who participated in IPLAY were interviewed. Results indicated that youth held a holistic conceptualization of mental health, contrasting what is common practice in the field and literature. Such findings provide a rich tapestry of understanding into how newcomer youth define, understand, and experience mental health, and implications for stress management.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of depression among African immigrant men in Southern Alberta. The study adopted an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design using focused semi-structured interviews with ten African immigrant men. Thematic analysis showed that African men went through episodes of sadness and frustrations due to intersection of challenges post-migration, which negatively impacted both their physical and mental health. However, instead of seeking professional help, they employed a series of coping mechanisms to mitigate, tolerate, or overcome the mental distress. It was evident that African men’s cultural constructions around masculinity influenced how they perceived, interpreted, and expressed their mental distress. Culture and masculinity also shaped their strategies for coping with the mental distress and behaviour towards help-seeking. It is recommended that stakeholders and policy makers apply cultural safety approaches to support African immigrant men to enhance their mental well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of depression among African immigrant men in Southern Alberta. The study adopted an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design using focused semi-structured interviews with ten African immigrant men. Thematic analysis showed that African men went through episodes of sadness and frustrations due to intersection of challenges post-migration, which negatively impacted both their physical and mental health. However, instead of seeking professional help, they employed a series of coping mechanisms to mitigate, tolerate, or overcome the mental distress. It was evident that African men’s cultural constructions around masculinity influenced how they perceived, interpreted, and expressed their mental distress. Culture and masculinity also shaped their strategies for coping with the mental distress and behaviour towards help-seeking. It is recommended that stakeholders and policy makers apply cultural safety approaches to support African immigrant men to enhance their mental well-being.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
Interview with Jose (they/he), a queer, non-binary Mexican immigrant living in St. Albert, AB. Jose talks about how their supportive parents changed their entire coming out experience, especially as a Catholic immigrant. Interview with Jose (they/he), a queer, non-binary Mexican immigrant living in St. Albert, AB. Jose talks about how their supportive parents changed their entire coming out experience, especially as a Catholic immigrant.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly
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
