Reconciliation Requires Housing: The Role of Housing In Enhancing Access To Higher Education For Indigenous Learners – A Case Study At Western University

E. Victoria Bomberry, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of housing in the decisions of Indigenous learners to pursue and complete post-secondary studies at Western Ontario. Drawing from theories of Indigenous geographies, this study explores off-campus housing as a systemic disadvantage for Indigenous post-secondary learners in connection with reconciliation-based efforts at Canadian universities, which seek to “close the gap” in higher education attainment. This is a community-driven study, guided by early conversations and direction from with Indigenous campus leadership at Western University; this involved the design of research tools, support for recruitment of participants, and informed data analysis. In-depth interviews conducted with fourteen Indigenous learners explored their off-campus housing experiences and influences on their studies, social and cultural relationships and health and well-being. This study concludes housing for Indigenous learners remains an under-explored opportunity despite recent and ongoing reconciliation-based efforts at Canadian universities.