Canada, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, has a history deeply intertwined with its Indigenous Peoples. These are the rightful inhabitants of the land we now call Canada. Yet, despite their integral connection to the country, Indigenous Peoples continue to face disproportionate levels of homelessness, a stark reminder of the lasting legacy of colonization. Comprising just 5% of the country's population, Indigenous Peoples are deeply ingrained in Canada's fabric. Yet, their history is marred by displacement and dispossession, forcibly uprooted from their ancestral lands long before the concept of homelessness emerged. This historical injustice persists today, manifested in the poignant reality of Indigenous Peoples homelessness—a tragic consequence of past wrongs. (The Homeless Hub 2021). Statistics paint a sobering picture of Indigenous life in urban centers across Canada, where a staggering 1 in 15 Indigenous Peoples experiences homelessness, compared to just 1 in 128 for the general population. This glaring disproportionality lays bare the profound inequities embedded in Canada's colonial past. These systemic injustices serve as fertile ground for cycles of poverty and marginalization, perpetuating the vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples to homelessness.

      Understanding the profound disparity between Westernized and Indigenous perspectives on land is paramount. While Western ideals often reduce land to a mere commodity, Indigenous communities perceive it as the cornerstone of their existence—a sentiment far deeper and more holistic than mere property ownership. To Indigenous Peoples, land embodies far more than tangible assets; it is the lifeblood of their communities, sustaining present and future generations with vital resources like food, water, and raw materials. Beyond its practical significance, land holds immense spiritual value, serving as a conduit connecting Indigenous Peoples to their ancestors and the natural world. Furthermore, land serves as a repository of cultural heritage, safeguarding traditional practices, ceremonies, and ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. In many Indigenous societies, land rights are not individualized but rather collectively owned by the community, reinforcing notions of nationhood and fostering a profound sense of unity and shared responsibility towards both the land and one another (OECD, n.d.).

      As we confront the challenges surrounding housing, land rights, and sustainability, it is crucial to heed the wisdom inherent in Indigenous perspectives and acknowledge the profound impact of land on shaping our shared destiny.

References

https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/population-specific/indigenous-peoples#:~:text=Indigenous%20Peoples%20experiencing%20these%20kinds,find%20their%20way%20back%20home

https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/fc2b28b3-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/fc2b28b3-en#:~:text=However%2C%20land%20is%20much%20beyond,held%20land%20rights%20reinforce%20nationhood 

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