Abstract:
Increased knowledge about Aboriginal women’s unique experiences of
homelessness will assist in improving and altering service systems. Planning theory
suggests planners can consciously work to ensure the stories of marginalized peoples are
heard and understood, which can transform systems and institutions. From an Indigenous
planning perspective, transformation must involve reflecting on and altering colonial
systems.
Using survey, focus group, and interview methodologies, various types of stories
were told, analysed and retold as common themes and overarching considerations. In this
research, stories about trauma and tragedy were told as common and shared experiences.
The women participating spoke about a need to be heard and respected and throughout
their stories gaps in services were shown to dramatically reduce their ability to change
their own circumstances. Recommendations were developed with Aboriginal women
experiencing homelessness with the intent of transforming systems to begin a new story
of healing and hope.
