Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Community Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Manuel Riemer

Advisor Role

Primary

Second Advisor

Ann Marie Beals

Advisor Role

Co-advisor

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of urban Indigenous mixed nation gathering places on the wellbeing of urban Indigenous individuals. This was done through qualitative conversational interviews with seven urban Indigenous community members; four of the participants were from the Laurier Indigenous Student Center while the remaining three participants were from Crow Shield Lodge. This study addressed how these spaces affect wellbeing, the specific mechanisms that impact wellbeing, and how individuals navigate setting with diverse nations and teachings. Four key themes were identified: Colonialism/Colonial Impacts, Identity, Community, and Health and Wellbeing. Findings reveal that these gathering places are highly important to urban Indigenous people as they have the effect of increasing community members sense of Indigenous identity and wellbeing. These results will be provided to both the Laurier Indigenous Student Center and Crow Shield Lodge with the hopes that it will inform planning and decision making in a way that will benefit urban Indigenous community members.

Convocation Year

2024

Convocation Season

Fall

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