Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Geography and Environment

Supervisor

Richmond, Chantelle A. M.

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.

Summary for Lay Audience

This research study examines how housing influences the decisions of Indigenous Peoples to pursue and complete post-secondary studies at Western University. 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 redress the academy’s role in the dispossession and oppression of Indigenous Peoples.

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. Results of interviews demonstrate while off-campus housing tended to meet the structural needs of respondents, study participants raised concerns about the rising costs of off-campus housing, feeling disadvantaged socially and academically due to their off-campus housing, as well as uncertainty about engaging in cultural activities within their homes. This study concludes housing for Indigenous learners remains an under-explored opportunity despite recent and ongoing reconciliation-based efforts at Canadian universities. Based on the experiences of study participants, I argue student housing developed with and for Indigenous learners at Western University would simultaneously demonstrate and advance Western’s commitments to and investments in reconciliation by enhancing access to and success in completion of post-secondary studies for Indigenous learners. Student housing developed with and for Indigenous learners is necessary to provide housing options that appropriately support their academic success at all levels of study as well as their cultural, social well-being and health.

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