In mid-2023, the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society determined a need to decolonize and embrace Indigenous ways of knowing. The decolonization project for the homeless serving system of care seeks to address colonial inequalities entrenched in social services and housing policies by centering Indigenous perspectives rooted in centuries of sustainable living practice and community centric values. The project aims to address and decolonize oppressive policy and systems to create equitable pathways and support for the homeless on their journey towards housing stability.
By integrating Indigenous wisdom into the homeless serving system of care, it fosters culturally appropriate solutions that respect the dignity and autonomy of homeless individuals, while also addressing injustices perpetuated by colonial systems.
This report and subsequent Decolonization Guide is a Call to Action – a call to address barriers to housing stability, to dismantle colonial systems of care that oppress the homeless, and to build a community of support and understanding.
This report is a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and collective action to inspire us to redouble our efforts in the pursuit of ending homelessness and remind us that decolonization is not merely a destination but a continuous journey of transformative change, one that requires a commitment to action.
