Edmonton Social Planning Council

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  • CM: Where do you go when ‘home’ isn’t safe?: Domestic violence shelter options in Alberta 

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    By Jenna Robinson, ESPC Summer Research Assistant 

     

    When critically engaging with houselessness in Edmonton, it is essential to include its intersection with experiences of family and intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is often cited as a leading cause of houselessness among women in Canada (Homeless Hub, 2016). There are many factors that cause this to occur, including structural barriers to accessing housing, financial constraints, and the overall nature of family and intimate partner violence.  

    Prevalence of Family and Intimate Partner Violence in Canada  

    Family violence and intimate partner violence are often used synonymously to define experiences of domestic violence, however, there are important distinctions between the two; family violence includes violence within a household and can occur between parents, children, and siblings (Moorer, 2021). Intimate partner violence includes violence in a romantic relationship who may or may not reside in the same household. Both family violence and intimate partner violence can take form in many ways, such as emotional/psychological, financial, sexual, and physical abuse. In 2019, 67% of the victims of family violence in Canada were women and girls and this population also comprised 79% of all victims of intimate partner violence (Statistics Canada, 2021). In previous years, Alberta has had the third highest reported rate of intimate partner violence among all provinces in Canada (Mertz, 2017); Saskatchewan had the highest, followed by Manitoba.  

    It is critical to note that these rates only include police-reported experiences of violence which fail to depict the severity of violence; “It’s impossible to calculate the number of women and girls experiencing violence at the hands of an intimate partner, spouse or relative. The majority – more than 80%, according to one StatsCan estimate – go unreported” (Kingston, 2019). Many of those who experience family and intimate partner violence do not report their experiences to the police due to fear, lack of trust in authorities, and denial. Some folks do not know that they are experiencing violence, nor do they want their partner to get in trouble. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic increase in calls to Albertan women’s shelters, leaving Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society with an increase of over 100% from 2019-2021 (Fikowski, 2021).  Support and housing options are required now more than ever to provide immediate safety for women and children fleeing violence.  

    Shelter Options for Women Fleeing Family Violence in Alberta  

    Folks leaving family violence have three options of shelters in Alberta: emergency, first stage, and second stage shelters. All shelters have strict surveillance and security measures to ensure residents are as safe as possible and no unwanted visitors are able to enter. One study found that “going to a domestic violence shelter could allow a survivor to access additional services, support, and a sense of community” (Rizo et al., 2022). In addition, Rizo et al, (2022) found that shelters ‘help a survivor get out of survival mode,’ provide safety, and potentially enhance well-being.” Housing is important because it provides folks with a safe and secure space where they can process their experiences and plan for the future. However, there are significant barriers for women leaving violence and attempting to secure safe, affordable housing. For example, financial abuse affects a woman’s ability to afford housing because her partner may not have allowed her to work or freely access the family finances (National Network to End Domestic Violence, 2017). Racism, sexism, and discrimination also influence a woman’s ability to find housing, for her and her children. For those who have nowhere else to go, there are some options: 

    Emergency Shelters  

    Emergency shelters are short-term housing spaces where folks can temporarily live to physically leave the violence they (and/or their children) are experiencing. Shelter workers connect folks to counsellors who can help them find the support they need. An example of an emergency shelter for women fleeing violence in Edmonton is Lurana Shelter. Lurana Shelter provides “safe, secure refuge and emergency services such as meals, clothing, personal care items, transportation, and child support, as well as services related to advocacy, and staffing 24/7 for support and security. One-on-one counselling is provided in partnership with a community agency” (Catholic Social Services, 2022). If needed, an emergency shelter can refer a woman (and their children) to other shelter options that provide longer-term support, such as Wings of Providence.  

    First Stage Shelters  

    First stage shelters allow folks to focus on recovery and healing from their experiences. Residents typically do not work or go to school and instead attend group and individual counselling sessions. Free childcare is typically offered while the mother attends one-on-one and peer counselling, group counselling, healing circles, and/or other important appointments. An example of a first-stage shelter for women in Edmonton is WINGS of Providence; their first-stage shelter is an apartment building with 49 units consisting of 2- and 3-bedroom living spaces that are fully furnished (Wings of Providence, 2022). WINGS also offers social support and life skills education. This includes safety planning, court accompaniment, food pantry, grocery gift cards, and many other services. Along with their first stage shelter, WINGS supports some women through their second stage shelter, “Home Next Door”. 

    Second Stage Shelters  

    Second-stage shelters are “safe, long term, affordable housing [options] to promote continued healing and independence.” (Wings of Providence, 2022). These shelters differ from emergency and first stages shelters because they require women to return to work or school to aid in their integration into society, yet still provide programming options for women and their children. At the Home Next Door, families still have access to the WINGS donation programming and an Outreach Program that provides counseling support, education, and resources for those overcoming family violence.  

    Limitations of Domestic Violence Shelters – Are They the Best Solution?  

    Although domestic violence shelters as a temporary refuge is a response to the growing rates of family and intimate partner violence in Canada, there are limitations and concerns associated with them. For example, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters [ACSW] (2019) reported that between 2018-2019, Alberta shelters had to turn away 23,247 women, children, and seniors who were seeking housing due to capacity limitations. This finding is not only potentially life-threatening but likely is an under-estimate of the current severity of those being turned away. Although experiences of domestic violence itself influence the rate of hidden homelessness within populations (which cannot be calculated), the lack of available shelter beds increases the severity of this problem because it forces this population to couch surf, return to unsafe relationships, engage in survival sex work, or live in their vehicle (Thielman, 2021). COVID-19 has sparked an influx in reporting of family and intimate partner violence but has also likely influenced the invisibility of family and intimate partner violence. Accessing support services and shelters became more difficult due to mandatory quarantines and lockdowns because partners and family members were forced to stay home. As a result, individuals experiencing violence have less opportunity to be alone and access domestic violence support.  

    When responding to the growing rates of family and intimate partner violence, we must address and consider the unique experiences of specific populations in our communities, such as visible minority groups, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as youth and older adults.  

    Edmonton has taken a step in the right direction by providing a one-time investment of $880,000 in 2022 to women’s shelters across Edmonton, but they must not stop there (Komadina, 2022). It is critical that Edmonton expands its support and services to better support all genders, sexual orientations, and racial, ethnic, and cultural identities who endure family and intimate partner violence.  

    If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, you can learn about warning signs of an abusive relationship here. For a list of other domestic violence shelters supporting women leaving violence in Alberta, please visit the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters website. For domestic violence support catered for refugee and immigrant populations, visit the Islamic Family and Social Services Association. The Aboriginal Counselling Services of Alberta offers programming for Indigenous Peoples impacted by domestic violence, such as the Circles of Safety program for men, women, children, and youth. The Today Centre provides services for those impacted by family violence and is 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly. 

     

    Note: This is an excerpt from our September 2022 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

    Did You Enjoy this Article? Please provide feedback here

     

    Jenna Robinson was the Research Assistant with ESPC in the summer of 2022 and has since moved to Calgary to complete her Master of Arts in Sociology at the University of Calgary. Her research interests include criminalized and victimized women, intersectionality, and anti-racism. 

     

     

    References  

    Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. (2019). 2019 Data Release. https://acws.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ACWS_Data-Release-2019._ACWSWEB.pdf.  

    Catholic Social Services. (2022). “Lurana Shelter & Support”. https://www.cssalberta.ca/Our-Services/Domestic-Abuse-Shelters-Support/Lurana-Shelter.      

    Fikowski, T. (November 25, 2021). “’Get worse before it gets better’: Alberta agencies say domestic violence increased during pandemic”. CTV News Calgary. https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/get-worse-before-it-gets-better-alberta-agencies-say-domestic-violence-increased-during-pandemic-1.5681442.   

    Heidinger, L. (2021). Intimate partner violence: Experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women in Canada. Juristat. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-002-X.  https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2021001/article/00007-eng.htm.       

    Homeless Hub. (2016). Domestic Violence & Homelessness. https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/domestic-violence-homelessness.    

    Kingston, A. (September 17, 2019). “We are the dead”. Mclean’s. https://archive.macleans.ca/article/2019/10/1/we-are-the-dead.     

    Komadina, S. (2022). Edmonton women’s shelters get financial support from city council. https://globalnews.ca/news/8770777/edmonton-womens-shelters-support-city-council/.    

    Mertz, E. (February 19, 2017). “Alberta 3rd highest province for rate of intimate partner violence: report”. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/3259656/alberta-3rd-highest-province-for-rate-of-intimate-partner-violence-report/.    

    Moore, C. (2021). Intimate partner violence vs. Domestic violence. YWCA Spokane. https://ywcaspokane.org/what-is-intimate-partner-domestic-violence/.    

    National Network to End Domestic Violence. (2017). The Impact of Safe Housing on Survivors of Domestic Violence. https://nnedv.org/spotlight_on/impact-safe-housing-survivors/   

    Rizo, C. F., Klein, L. B., Chesworth, B., Macy, R. J., Dooley, R. (2022). Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Housing Needs and Preferences: A Brief Report. Journal of Interpersonal Violence 37(1-2), 958-972. Doi: 10.1177/0886260519897330    

    Statistics Canada. (2021). Family violence in Canada: A statistical profile, 2019. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210302/dq210302d-eng.htm  

    Thielman, J. (2021). “Ending Homelessness For Women and Children Affected by Intimate Partner Violence”. https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/ending-homelessness-women-and-children-affected-intimate-partner-violence%C2%A0.   

    WINGS of Providence. (2021). “What we do”. https://wingsofprovidence.ca/what-we-do/.    

     

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    1. Blog: A Person Who Is…: An Introduction To Person First Language

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      Words used to address individuals matter. Person first language centres the person as a person, versus their situation as defining who they are. 

      By Moyo Orekogbe, ESPC Volunteer

       

      Has an aspect of your situation ever been used to describe the entirety of your identity? If you can relate to this question, then you may relate to the statement a single trait cannot sum up the entirety of a person’s identity.  

      Person first language, such as “a person who is homeless,” serves to humanize interactions and discussions by focusing on the person first. Think back to the last time you heard someone refer to an individual as a homeless person. Living in Edmonton or any city around the world, you would have encountered people that are homeless. Other attributes associated with the word “homeless” immediately enter your mind and frame your expectations. People have many assumptions about being homeless, some of which are exaggerated and untrue. A common misconception about homelessness is that these individuals are also dangerous or violent. So, the word “homeless” might unconsciously cause expectations for a hostile interaction. Unless someone has experienced homelessness or has taken the time to educate themselves about that situation, they cannot understand the struggles of being or experiencing homelessness.  

      The term “homeless person” anchors a person’s identity to an adjective with a negative social stigma. It brings to the forefront stereotypes related to homelessness, which may be unconsciously projected into any interaction. Rather than address or refer to someone as a ‘user,’ for example, it’s preferable to change to person first language and use the term person who is in recovery from a substance use disorder. (1) 

      Words used to address individuals matter. Choosing to describe someone in terms of just their disorder or condition rather than first recognizing the whole person can be disrespectful and lead to embarrassment and a loss of self-esteem. Instead of saying a homeless person, you can address them as someone who is currently unhoused. Using a more appropriate language style can help eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help. (1) It is not uncommon for stereotypes to be internalized to where a person expects others to believe these negative characteristics about themselves. While interacting with people who are currently unhoused, especially those in a position to offer aid, using person-first language combats the belief that others have negative expectations of them. Words like ‘a person who is currently unhoused’ highlight the changeability and temporariness of housing situations, creating a sense of hope. Therefore, person-first language helps the person seeking help to see themselves more than their situation. 

      Changing the language you use is the biggest change you can make to support people who are homeless at no cost. Make a conscious decision to see people as more than their situation by adopting a person first language when it comes to individuals that are currently unhoused.  

       

      Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

        

      Orekogbe Moyosoreoluwa, who prefers to be called Moyo, was born and raised in Nigeria. Moving to Canada for University, she is now a Bachelors of Commerce graduate at 20 years old. Moyo is a volunteer with Edmonton Social Planning Council.  

       

       

      1. Laguna Shores Recovery. What is person-first language?: Laguna shores. (2020, November 30). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://lagunashoresrecovery.com/what-is-person-first-language/#:~:text=Person%20first%20language%20is%20widely,of%20dignity%2C%20respect%20and%20hope.&text=Using%20person%20first%20language%20is%20also%20a%20more%20accurate%20way,eliminate%20stereotypes%20that%20can%20form. 

        [/et_pb_text][dmpro_button_grid _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dmpro_button_grid][dmpro_image_hotspot _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dmpro_image_hotspot][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” border_color_left=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Posted by:” job_title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9uIiwibGlua19kZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6ImF1dGhvcl93ZWJzaXRlIn19@” portrait_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3JfcHJvZmlsZV9waWN0dXJlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnt9fQ==@” quote_icon=”off” portrait_width=”125px” portrait_height=”125px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”job_title,portrait_url” _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ author_font=”||||||||” author_text_align=”center” author_text_color=”#008ac1″ position_font=”||||||||” position_text_color=”#000000″ company_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#ffffff” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|4px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”32px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.65)” header_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||50px|||” custom_padding=”48px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_audio audio=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022_10_25_A_Person_who_is_An_Introduction_to_Person_First_Language.mp3″ title=”Listen to the Article” album_name=”Audio Recording” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”2022_10_25_A_Person_who_is_An_Introduction_to_Person_First_Language” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_audio][et_pb_button button_url=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022_10_25_A_Person_who_is_An_Introduction_to_Person_First_Language.mp3″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download the Audio Recording Here” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#A6C942″ button_border_color=”#A6C942″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

      1. Blog: Diwali – Festival of Lights

        [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

        Diwali is an important festival practiced by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. As a community let’s celebrate together Happy Diwali!

        By Ankur Subedi, ESPC Volunteer

         

        Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the most important festivals practiced by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. Diwali is also called Deepawali, and Tihar in Nepal. There are also other names for Diwali such as “Yamapanchak” and “Swanti”; “Yamapanchak” translates to the five days of Lord Yama, the God of Death (Holidify, 2022). The festival “Diwali” has acquired its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that the festival observers light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness (National Geographic Kids, 2021). 

        Diwali is a five-day long festival, and it falls on a different date each autumn, timed to the Hindu lunar calendar; though it usually falls in October or November (Lowe, 2022). As the festival is celebrated over the course of five days, each day has its own significance.  

        Day 1:  

        The first day of Diwali is called “Dhanteras”, the worship of wealth; Goddess Lakshmi (Luck-schme), the goddess of wealth and finances, is worshipped on this day, and the entire day is dedicated to cleaning and decorating homes and purchasing small items of gold (Mocomi Kids, 2021).  

        Day 2: 

        The second day of Diwali is called “Narak Chaturdashi”. The significance of this day is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna’s resounding victory over the vicious demon “Narakasur,” who had abducted the “gopis”, consorts and devotees of Lord Krishna (India Online Pages, n.d.). People keep their homes tidy on this day and use flowers and scented oils to maintain positive vibrations (India Online Pages, n.d.). Rangolis, or artistic patterns made of rice flour and water, can be found at the threshold of every house (India Online Pages, n.d.). A ‘diya’, a lighted lamp or a candle that signifies a fire deity, is placed in each room as well as in the backyard throughout the night (India Online Pages, n.d.).  

        Day 3: 

        The third day of Diwali is called “Lakshmi Puja”. It is the main day and the most festive day of the festival when clay lamps, candles, and fireworks are common sights (Wonderopolis, n.d.). There are several legends associated with this day. One of them is that, according to Ramayana, the Hindu Sanskrit epic, Lord Rama had finally arrived home, Ayodhya, after fourteen years of exile on this day, and was greeted with a sparkling row of lights radiating from every household (India Online Pages, n.d.). Another intriguing legend associated with this day is that of Nichiketa, a young boy (Blessings on the Net, n.d.). He was convinced that Lord Yama, the god of death, was terrifying to look at (Blessings on the Net, n.d.). Lord Yama is said to have appeared before him on this day (Blessings on the Net, n.d.). Nichiketa was taken aback by Yama’s friendly demeanor (Blessings on the Net, n.d.). Yama explained the complexities of life and death to Nichiketa on this auspicious day which made him realize that the ultimate reality of life is death, and the significance of the perpetual cycle of life (Blessings on the Net, n.d.). It is also perceived that the Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness and that she will visit the cleanest house first to shower her blessings, so people keep their houses spotlessly clean and sanitary on Diwali (Blessings on the Net, n.d.). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome her and are believed to light up her path (Blessings on the Net, n.d.). 

        Day 4: 

        The fourth day of Diwali is Govardhan Puja, the spiritual harvest day, also called Padwa. It is the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of rain and thunderstorm, by lifting the huge Govardhan Mountain (Mocomi Kids, 2021). People make a small hillock, usually of cow dung, symbolizing Govardhan, and worship it (Mocomi Kids, 2021). According to Hindu mythology and religious manuscripts like Bhagavata Purana, Govardhan puja is celebrated to commemorate the day when Lord Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to provide shelter from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra to destroy the villages of Vrindavan (The Times of India, 2021).  

        Day 5: 

        The last day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj. It is special in that it is entirely focused on the intense love shared between a brother and a sister (India Online Pages, n.d.). The festival is tied to the fabled story of Lord Yama and his sister Yami’s brotherly love (India Online Pages, n.d.). Lord Yama decided to see his sister again after a long time apart (India Online Pages, n.d.). He was moved by the warmth and hospitality she displayed when he went to meet her (India Online Pages, n.d.). Yami gave her brother a warm welcome and showed him the utmost respect by applying a tilak to his forehead to commemorate the event (India Online Pages, n.d.). Yamraj blessed her and declared that any brother who greets his sister on this day will live a long life (India Online Pages, n.d.). 

        “Happy Diwali” and “Subha Deepawali” are the phrases used to wish Diwali greetings and wellness to each other. There are several Diwali events hosted by temples and gurudwaras in the communities of Edmonton for celebration. Finally, the five days of Diwali are marked by high-pitched enthusiasm and religiosity. The entire five-day celebration of Diwali strengthens interpersonal ties as people rise above differences in caste and creed to embrace the divine light of unity. 

         

        Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

         

        Ankur Subedi is a Social Work student at the University of Calgary. Having completed the Social Work Diploma from Norquest College, Ankur comes with a diverse background in community involvement, and is presently working towards her Registered Social Worker designation. Ankur recently connected with ESPC to give back to the community. 

         

         

         

        REFERENCES 

        Blessings On the Net. (n.d.). Third Day of diwali lakshmi puja. Retrieved from https://blessingsonthenet.com/indian-festival/article/id/24/third-day-of-diwali—lakshmi-puja 

        Holidify. (2022, August 10). Diwali in Nepal – celebration of the gods, mother nature and oneself. Holidify. Retrieved from https://www.holidify.com/pages/diwali-in-nepal-2081.html 

        India Online Pages. (n.d.). 5 days of diwali. Retrieved from https://www.indiaonlinepages.com/festivals/diwali/five-days-of-diwali.html 

        Lowe, L. (2022, September 28). What is diwali? everything to know about India’s Festival of Lights – Parade: Entertainment, recipes, health, life, holidays. Parade. Retrieved from https://parade.com/1191426/lindsaylowe/diwali/#:~:text=Diwali%20is%20a%20five%2Dday,24. 

        Mocomi Kids. (2021, February 21). 5 days of Diwali significance – festivals for kids: Mocomi. Retrieved from https://mocomi.com/5-days-of-diwali/ 

        National Geographic Kids. (2021, November 8). Diwali-Festival of Lights. Pages. Retrieved from https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/pages/article/diwali 

        The Times of India. (2021, November 4). Govardhan puja 2021: Significance, timings and foods prepared on this day – times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/govardhan-puja-2021-significance-timings-and-foods-prepared-on-this-day/articleshow/87507205.cms#:~:text=Significance%20According%20to%20Hindu%20mythology,destroy%20the%20villages%20of%20Vrindavan. 

        Wonderopolis. (n.d.). What are the five days of Diwali? Retrieved from https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/What-Are-the-Five-Days-of-Diwali 

         

         

         

         

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        1. Blog: A Critical Look at Edmonton’s Gentrification Problem

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          Is gentrification the answer to Edmonton’s affordable housing crisis? This article looks at the city’s complicated relationship with gentrification and how the attempt to revitalize of certain neighbourhoods has affected the residents.

          By Jayme Wong, ESPC Volunteer

           

          “Gentrification” is the process of a lower-income, urban area becoming a hub for new businesses and housing, thereby increasing the economic and social makeup of the neighbourhood. The process is usually measured “through changes in neighbourhood features, in housing, and in the composition of the residents over a period of time.” [1] However, with these changes come more displaced people and increases in housing prices during a time when people are already financially struggling [2]. 

          While gentrification can bring business and life into previously struggling areas, it can also be disruptive and harmful to the pre-existing community ecosystems. In this critical look at housing gentrification, we will be looking at Edmonton’s contentious history of gentrification, including the revitalization of the Ice District and the commissioning of the multi-million-dollar Rogers Place, and the path to affordable living moving forward. 

          Located in the heart of the city, Rogers Place is a gleaming, Ice District palace whose expansive and impressive walls contain a questionable history. The $613.7 million structure [3], which was officially opened in September 2016, has divided public opinion since the City of Edmonton bought the land and entered into a series of agreements with Edmonton Arena Corporation in 2013. Though the area was developed with the promise of community benefits – such as the “provision for development/facilitation of training or employment for low-income/high-need Edmontonians” [3] – some have instead viewed Rogers Place as another example in a long line of land dispossession [4]. Many consider Rogers Place as a prime example of gentrification, which has caused ripple effects in the Edmonton housing market and contributed to further housing gentrification throughout the city. 

          Local government seems to be in a constant balancing act between wanting to attract people to the city and finding enough places for them to live. As Omar Mosleh writes in his Toronto Star article, “While the Oilers’ purchase of the Boyle Street property is good news for the charitable organization, it also illustrates a city being pulled between two realities – the gentrification of the Ice District and the continued displacement of a homeless community that is more than half Indigenous and highly concentrated in the same neighbourhood.” [5] Mosleh’s comment also touches on the racialized intersection of gentrification, which has a history rooted in colonialism and the seizure of Indigenous lands by white European settlers. 

          Regardless of the City’s original intentions behind building Rogers Place, their decision has become a “race issue.” In 2016, 5.39% of Edmonton’s population identified as Indigenous, making Edmonton home to one of the largest Indigenous populations in Canada [6,7]. However, despite making up a relatively small part of Edmonton’s general population, 51% of individuals surveyed in Edmonton’s 2016 Homeless Count* identified as Indigenous. [8] With so many people and nowhere to go, downtown is a natural choice for people to gravitate towards because of its proximity to social services like homeless shelters, meal provision, safe consumption sites, and other community hubs. The construction of Rogers Place right in the middle of a central area for Edmonton’s homeless has created fear, distrust, and hostility for its mostly Indigenous population. As Jeremiah Basuric, a community engagement worker at the Mustard Seed, noted back in 2016, “When you build such a big structure, the economics of the place, (and) the psychological effects of that, cast this vision that you don’t belong here anymore.” [9] Though Indigenous peoples have rarely felt welcomed in Canadian cities, Rogers Place is another physical reminder that their ancestral lands have been taken and commodified. The grand building stands in stark contrast to the homeless encampments that often appear around that area of the city. 

          Rogers Place is just one example of the City of Edmonton attempting to draw more people into the city. Developed in 2020, Edmonton’s City Plan anticipates the city’s population to grow to two million. To solve the inevitable housing issue this population increase will entail, the City has invested a considerable amount into infill development [10]. According to Infill Edmonton, “Infill is the process of developing vacant or under-used land within existing urban areas that are already developed.” [11] According to the website, infill’s benefits include housing for all, financial sustainability, keeping neighbourhoods alive, multigenerational living, environmental sustainability, and health. [12] Despite this attempt to increase affordable and available housing, 2,745 people experienced homelessness in August 2022 [13],  and emergency shelters are only a temporary solution.  

          So, for whom is gentrification benefiting?  

          The answer will likely never be definitive. However, it is clear that Edmonton’s gentrification projects have not been for the benefit of its homeless population. Instead, gentrification has welcomed an influx of richer residents and visitors to new areas while further marginalizing other areas. Rather than having social services widely available, they are instead pushed to certain areas of the city. For example, Edmonton’s Chinatown residents have been complaining for years about the centralization of social services so close to their businesses. [14] The City’s “out of sight, out of mind” seems to prioritize developing some neighbourhoods while ignoring others. 

          Though Rogers Place stands tall, its long shadow does not fully obscure the city’s larger problem: its growing unhoused population. Perhaps it is time for our city counselors to take a step back and realize that gentrification is creating as many problems as it appears to be solving. The future of affordable housing development in Edmonton remains unclear, though it is now more important than ever that we do not fall into our old settler-colonialist patterns by ignoring those who first inhabited the land. 

          *Homeward Trust completed a Point in Time Homeless count on September 28, 2022. At the time of this publication the numbers were not yet ready.  

           

          Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

          Jayme is a volunteer with Edmonton Social Planning Council and has a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of Lethbridge and an MA in English and Film Studies from the University of Alberta. She currently lives in Edmonton with her partner and their cat. 

           

          Sources: 

          [1] Firth, C.L., Thierry, B., Fuller, D., Winters, M. & Kestens Y. (2021) Gentrification, Urban Interventions and Equity (GENUINE): A map-based gentrification tool for Canadian metropolitan areas. Health Reports, 32(5), 15-28. https://www.doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x202100500002-eng  

          [2] Panza-Beltrandi, G. (2022, September 22). Young Albertans feeling the pinch of grocery prices continue to rise. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/young-albertans-feeling-the-pinch-as-grocery-prices-continue-to-rise-1.6590914 

          [3] Building Rogers Place: The Agreement. (n.d.) City of Edmonton. https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/rogers_place/the-agreement 

          [4] Scherer, J., Kafara R., & Davidson J. (2022). A few weeks in a dirty city: sport-related gentrification, mobilizing resistance, and the art of failure in Edmonton, Alberta. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/01937235221094063 

          [5] Mosleh, O. (2022, February 24). In the shadow of an arena: How one hockey-loving, oil-rich Canadian city is again displacing Indigenous people. Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/02/24/in-the-shadow-of-an-arena-how-gleaming-developments-are-looming-over-indigenous-people-in-this-oil-soaked-city-again.html 

          [6] Edmonton – % Aboriginal Population. (2022, February 6). Government of Alberta. https://regionaldashboard.alberta.ca/region/edmonton/percent-aboriginal-population/#/ 

          [7] Statistical Profile of Indigenous Peoples Living in Edmonton. (n.d.) City of Edmonton, Indigenous Relations Office. https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/indigenous-relations-office#:~:text=Edmonton%20and%20surrounding%20area%20has,or%205%25%20of%20the%20population. 

          [8] Current State of Homelessness in Edmonton. (n.d.) End Homelessness YEG. http://endhomelessnessyeg.ca/current-state-homelessness-edmonton/ 

          [9] French, J. (2016, January 31). Future for Edmonton’s homeless in Ice District unclear. Edmonton Sun. https://edmontonsun.com/2016/01/31/future-for-edmontons-homeless-in-ice-district-unclear 

          [10] Boothby, L. (2022, May 4). Affordability needs to be built into Edmonton’s plan to boost density with infill development: expert. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/affordability-edmonton-density-infill-expert 

          [11] Infill Edmonton. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.infilledmonton.com 

          [12] So, What are some of the Benefits of Infill? (n.d.). Infill Edmonton. https://www.infilledmonton.com/benefits-to-infill 

          [13] Archer, M. (2022, September 27). Edmonton homeless population count set for Wednesday, history shows need for winter shelter space. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/9160650/edmonton-homeless-population-count-winter-plan/ 

          [14] Baig, F. (2022, June 18). Edmonton’s Chinatown worries about safety, decline in business after killings. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-chinatown-business-killings-1.6493633 

           

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          1. Blog: Housing Concerns and the Need for Indigenous-led Housing Initiatives 

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            This blog takes a critical look at how colonization continues to impact housing access for Indigenous Peoples and how Indigenous-led housing initiatives are one way to contribute to de-colonization and reconciliation.

            By Jordan Clark Marcichiw (Mar-see-shoe), ESPC Volunteer

             

            Housing remains a significant issue for First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples (hereafter referred to as Indigenous Peoples) in Canada.  Studies report Indigenous Peoples are eight times more likely to experience homelessness than non-Indigenous Peoples, regardless of whether they reside in urban or rural settings. (1)  Mainstream definitions of homelessness include any individual or group’s situation where they are without “stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it” (2) and is caused by several structural and systemic factors, such as poverty, racism, and housing shortages, as well as personal circumstances. (3)  This definition largely reflects a Western, settler perspective.  In the context of discussing Indigenous homelessness, it is important to consider the definition of homelessness from an Indigenous worldview:  

            “Unlike the common colonialist definition of homelessness, Indigenous homelessness is not defined as lacking a structure of habitation; rather, it is more fully described and understood through a composite lens of Indigenous worldviews. These include: individuals, families and communities isolated from their relationships to land, water, place, family, kin, each other, animals, cultures, languages and identities. Importantly, Indigenous people experiencing these kinds of homelessness cannot culturally, spiritually, emotionally or physically reconnect with their Indigeneity or lost relationships” (4). 

            Why do we need Indigenous-led Housing Initiatives? 

            Despite the immense impact this issue has on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, there remains a lack of resources and strategies informed and led by Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous ways of knowing. (1)  Policies informed by colonization remain prevalent today, thus worsening the experiences of the housing crisis for Indigenous Peoples.  For example, policies that deem traditional family housing as being inadequate and “overcrowded” lead to the apprehension of children by child welfare agencies (5), which may increase a child’s likelihood of later experiencing homelessness. (6) In order to respectfully and appropriately respond to housing challenges in Indigenous populations, the overall strategy needs to be reflective of Indigenous priorities and ways of knowing.  Pairing culturally appropriate supports with housing allows for wrap-around services that address key needs identified by Indigenous Peoples (for example, intergenerational trauma), and is a key step towards decolonization. (7)   

            “Decolonization is about ‘cultural, psychological, and economic freedom’ for Indigenous Peoples with the goal of achieving Indigenous sovereignty — the right and ability of Indigenous Peoples to practice self-determination over their land, cultures, and political and economic systems. Colonialism is a historical and ongoing global project where settlers continue to occupy land, dictate social, political, and economic systems, and exploit Indigenous Peoples and their resources” (8). 

            Indigenous-led Housing Initiatives in Edmonton 

            There are a variety of Indigenous-led initiatives in Edmonton, including: Native Counselling Services of Alberta, NiGiNan Housing Ventures, Metis Capital Housing, Ben Calf Robe Society, and Bent Arrow.  Despite this, more work needs to be done to better respond to the needs of Indigenous Peoples in our City.  In early 2021, the City of Edmonton Council called for a research project to inform an Indigenous Affordable Housing Strategy in Edmonton.  (9) Throughout the project, recommendations offered by Indigenous stakeholders in Edmonton include increasing sustainable funding, ensuring Indigenous-specific housing data is available to program developers, and creating an Indigenous community-based organization focused on housing.  Additionally, stakeholders asked for more collaboration and improved partnerships with the government, industry, and other housing developers.  Importantly, a key piece of collaboration was identified to include the diversity of Indigenous Peoples (including those represented by existing Indigenous bodies, as well as those not already represented). This diversity is an essential component in highlighting the ways Indigenous Peoples understand housing, as well as understanding their unique needs such as addressing racism in the housing market.  More highlights and recommendations identified in the project can be found here.   

            What can I do? 

            • Listen and Learn – Seek the stories and lived experiences of the Indigenous population.  Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action. (10)    
            • Support – Become aware of existing Indigenous-led housing initiatives. Familiarize yourself with proposed Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing strategies (11) and the recommendations they offer. (7, 9)    
            • Advocate – Query existing housing initiatives on how they can further decenter colonial policies, attitudes, and perspectives.  Hold them accountable to decolonize the housing landscape and encourage funders to support Indigenous-led initiatives.  

            Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

             

            Jordan Clark Marcichiw (she/her) is a volunteer with Edmonton Social Planning Council  is a social worker who is passionate about spreading knowledge and advocating for systems change for the betterment of all individuals. Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, skiing, playing slopitch, reading, and adventuring with her pup. 

             

            To enjoy more of our blog posts or to learn more about Edmonton Social Planning Council please follow us on social media @edmontonspc  

             

            References 

            (1) Thistle, J. & Smylie, J.  (2020, March 9).  Pekiwewin (coming home): advancing good relations with Indigenous people experiencing homelessness.  Canadian Medical Association Journal (192)10, E257-E259. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/192/10/E257.full.pdf   

            (2)  Gaetz, S., Barr, C., Friesen, A., Harris, B., Hill, C., Kovacs-Burns, K., Pauly, B., Pearce, B., Turner, A., & Marsolais, A. (2012).  Canadian Definition of Homelessness.  Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/COHhomelessdefinition.pdf  

            (3)  Homeless Hub.  (n.d.).  Causes of Homelessness.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/causes-homelessness 

            (4) Thistle, J.  (2017).  Definition of Indigenous homelessness in Canada.  Homeless Hub.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/IndigenousHomelessness  

            (5)  Lafferty, K. (2022, July 13).  The need for Indigenous-led housing.  Policy Options.  https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/july-2022/indigenous-housing-need/  

            (6) Serge, L., Eberle, M., Goldbeg, M., Sullivan, S., & Dudding, P.  (2002, December).  Pilot study the child welfare system and homelessness among Canadian youth.  National Homelessness Initiative.  https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/Pilot_Study_The_Child_Welfare_System_and_Homelessness.pdf  

            (7) Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.  (2022, May 10).  Urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing.  https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/housing-research/research-reports/housing-needs/research-insight-urban-rural-northern-indigenous-housing    

            (8)  Belfi, E. & Sandiford, N. (2021). Decolonization series part 1: exploring decolonization. In S. Brandauer and E. Hartman (Eds.). Interdependence: Global Solidarity and Local Actions. The Community-based Global Learning Collaborative. http://globalsolidaritylocalaction.sites.haverford.edu/what-is-decolonization-why-is-it-important/  

            (9)  Sokoluk, L. & Hannley, L.  (2022, May 18).  Prioritizing and incentivising the development of Indigenous-led affordable housing in Edmonton.  https://pub-edmonton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=158480  

            (10) Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.  (2012).  Truth and reconciliation commission of Canada: Calls to action.  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf  

            (11)  The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.  (2020, November).  An Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy for Canada.  https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/432/HUMA/Brief/BR11000896/br-external/CanadianHousingAndRenewalAssociation-e.pdf  

             

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                                      1. Blog: World Mental Health Day – Striving for Global Mental Health Progress and Awareness 

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                                        World Mental Health Day, founded by the World Federation for Mental Health, is recognized every October 10th to promote global mental health awareness and activism. In accordance with this year’s theme, organizations, communities, and individuals are encouraged to participate in the campaign to help “Make Mental Health & Well-being for All a Global Priority”. 

                                        By Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer

                                         

                                        What is World Mental Health Day? 

                                        World Mental Health Day (WMHD), honoured every 10th of October, began in 1992 as an annual activity by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to raise awareness and spur action for supporting mental health. (1) There are many non-profit and government organizations that officially partner with the WFMH to establish a global campaign for Mental Health Day, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Dignity Project, Youth for Mental Health (YMH), and the Breath-Body-Mind (BBM) foundation. Themes for WMHD have been incorporated since 1994, with the chosen theme for 2022 being “Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority.” (1) 

                                        Why Is Mental Health Awareness Important? 

                                        Advocating for and destigmatizing mental health is crucial. Issues regarding mental wellness have always been present, but the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the need for support, understanding, and compassion. As stated by the WHO, mental disorders have significantly risen since COVID-19, and there is still a considerable treatment gap for those seeking help. (2) This disparity is even more prevalent for low-income or marginalized populations due to discrimination practices, lack of accessibility, stigma, and language barriers. (3) According to the WHO, in 2019, 1 in 8 people globally have a mental disorder, yet comprehensive care and sufficient resources are lacking. (4) This shows the importance of accurate education on wellness, as well as the need for inclusive, accessible, and effective mental health resources. 

                                        What Happens on World Mental Health Day?  

                                        Campaigns related to WMHD involve events and activism organized by institutions, governments, communities, and individuals at regional and international levels. (5) A governmental example would be country leaders recognizing the day through public endorsement, such as last year when Justin Trudeau (the current Canadian prime minister) provided a public statement on WMHD. (6) On an organizational level, the United Nations (UN) hosts events throughout October to promote the well-being of its personnel – this includes mental health panel discussions and learning programs. (7) Communities are encouraged to schedule programming for mental health awareness using demonstrations such as vigils, marches, and rallies. (8) Individuals can also participate in WMHD by sharing or listening to personal mental health experiences, or by educating themselves or others. This can be done on social media platforms by using hashtags such as #WorldMentalHealthDay. (2)  

                                        World Mental Health Day and Mental Health in Alberta 

                                        The theme for 2022’s World Mental Health Day, Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority, speaks to the global need for mental health awareness and action, but what can Albertans do for this campaign? Alberta has recently seen a spike in demand for mental health services, during and post-COVID-19. (9) (10) According to Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC), in 2020, Alberta has the highest diagnoses of anxiety disorders in Canada (23%), with the second highest rate of depression diagnoses (22%). (11) This 2020 report found that over half of Canadians felt federal and provincial governments should be doing more to support Canadian mental health. (11) The Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) 2021-2024 strategic plan for Edmonton (accessible as a PDF file here) states that mental health has been largely undervalued and ignored – even before COVID-19. (12) This is most evident in marginalized communities, which have often been neglected by mental support systems. (12) Notably, there is a need for culturally sensitive Indigenous healthcare. (13) 

                                        The CMHA notes that the general population is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of mental health; in part because campaigns such as WMHD have primed public consciousness about the importance of mental wellness. (12) This demonstrates the relevance WMHD has to Alberta. Albertan individuals, businesses, and organizations can honour the WMHD’s campaign by promoting progress in mental health care. This means advocating for destigmatization, inclusive care, and widespread education. Donating to mental health organizations is a great way to participate in this campaign. Many global associations can be donated to (such as the WFMH directly), but there are also Edmonton and Alberta-based options. The Canadian Mental Health Association, one of the most established and extensive mental health organizations in Canada, (14) offers many national and regional ways to donate, including specific divisions for Alberta and Edmonton.  

                                        World Mental Health Day Conclusion and Takeaways  

                                        WMHD is an annual campaign that strives for global innovation in mental health awareness and resource development. Headed by the WFMH and WHO, the day brings together many organizations, governments, communities, and citizens toward the goal of destigmatizing and supporting inclusive mental wellness. Participating in WMHD can involve taking part in campaign events, donating to mental health causes (such as CMHA), and/or simply sharing/listening to experiences. Discussion about mental health is powerful because honest, empowering, and compassionate conversations can reduce the stigma associated with it. (15) More information about participating can be found on the World Mental Health Day’s website, with an online PDF of their 2022 campaign toolkit available to the public (here). Information on international WMHD events can be found on its webpage (here). 

                                        Mental health is important, which is becoming ever more clear from the effects of the pandemic and socio-economic instabilities. (2) Managing mental wellness can be difficult, but confidential and secure help is available. Various Edmonton-based programs and services can be accessed through the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website (here). The Hope for Wellness helpline is available for Indigenous-specific wellness needs and can be reached by calling 1-855-242-3310. For immediate support, call the CMHA’s distress line at 780-482-4357.  

                                         

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                                        Amethyst Zapisocky is working towards a BA in psychology at the University of Alberta. A fourth-year undergraduate student, her career focus is on research and social development. She values equity, learning, and philanthropy. Personally, Amethyst enjoys statistics, mindfulness and jazz music. 

                                         

                                        References 

                                        1. World Federation for Mental Health. (2022, August). About the world mental health day. WFMH World Mental Health Day. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from  https://wmhdofficial.com/category/about-wmhd/  
                                        2. World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health day 2022: Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2022  
                                        3. Shukla, D. (2022, April 20). Why mental healthcare is less accessible to marginalized communities. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-mental-healthcare-is-less-accessible-to-marginalized-communities 
                                        4. World Health Organization. (2022, June 08). Mental disorders. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders  
                                        5. World Federation for Mental Health. (2022). Events across the globe. WFMH World Mental Health Day. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://wmhdofficial.com/events/  
                                        6. Prime Minister of Canada. (2021, October 10). Statement by the Prime Minister for World Mental Health Day. Government of Canada. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2021/10/10/statement-prime-minister-world-mental-health-day  
                                        7. United Nations. (2022). Communications toolkit for UN organizations [PDF]. https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/communications-toolkit-for-un-organizations_world-mental-health-day-2022.pdf  
                                        8. World Federation for Mental Health. (2022). Make mental health & wellbeing for all a global priority: WMHD campaign toolkit 2022 [PDF]. WFMH World Mental Health Day. https://wmhdofficial.com/wp-content/uploads/wmhd2022-toolkit_v02.pdf  
                                        9. Mertz, E. (2021, February 16). ‘Anxiety and depression are increasing’: Alberta doctor sees spike in mental health visits. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/7617298/alberta-doctor-depression-suicide-covid-19/  
                                        10. Opinko, D. (2020, April 20). Alberta saw the biggest drop in mental health scores in Canada. LethbridgeBridgeNewsNOW. https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/  
                                        11. Mental Health Research Canada & Pollara. (2020). Mental health during COVID-19 outbreak wave 1 [PDF]. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f31a311d93d0f2e28aaf04a/t/5f86800c5757437eb2b17f08/1602650133129/Full+Report+of+Findings+of+Survey+-+FINAL.pdf  
                                        12. Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Strategic plan 2021–2024 [PDF]. https://edmonton.cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CMHA-Edmonton-Strategic-Plan-2021-24-FINAL.pdf  
                                        13. Edwardson, L. (2022, January 06). First Nations family says culturally sensitive mental health care difficult to find. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/mental-health-youth-indigenous-calgary-culturally-sensitive-1.6286889  
                                        14. Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Our history. https://cmha.ca/who-we-are/cmha-national/our-history/#:~:text=About%20CMHA&text=Through%20a%20presence%20in%20more,Canadians%20to%20flourish%20and%20thrive.  
                                        15. Belanger, L. (2020, January 20). Stop the stigma of mental health issues and disorders. Government of Canada. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2020/01/stop-stigma-mental-health-issues-disorders.html  
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