Challenging Colonization
There is a lot of changes that need to take place in order to end Indigenous homelessness. First and foremost, non-Indigenous people need to understand that Indigenous homelessness is beyond just providing shelter to an individual. If you are wondering what you can do to help, I am about to provide you with some answers. You are already taking part in the change aspect by just taking the time to read this blog on Tumblr. The first step is educating non-Indigenous people about the historical impacts of colonization on the Indigenous community. All of you have started your journey in this part but remember this blog does not cover everything but is a great starting point.
I was able to find some recommendations that I believe everyone should take into consideration is to hold the federal government accountable for creating a National Aboriginal Housing Association’s call for a national non-reserve housing strategy (Belanger, Head, & Awosoga, 2012).In addition, this aids in the process of creating equitable funding from the government between Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks. The reading states it is the “Governments responsibility to ensure that all people can access services that will help them attain the highest possible level of physical and mental health” (Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, 2013, p. 27). Currently, Indigenous people do not receive the same funding as non-Indigenous people. Another recommendation is following the Calls to Action that states, federal government to provide sustainable funding (Calls To Action, 2015). Also, another recommendation that people need to take more seriously is voting because the personal is political. We all live in a country that allows us to vote our government so please take advantage of this privilege. As citizens, we can actively vote for a government that promises to take in consideration of Indigenous worldview and homelessness.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Feel free to ask questions in the comment section as I promise to get back to you! Enjoy the rest of your day!
Peace,
Athavi Kugathasan