TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

Our research explores what STR8 UP has meant to its members, and the role that founder Andre Poilievre played in their lives through the lens of survivance.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

There is a strong need for research to be co-designed to understand how organizations connect with clients who are involved in and exiting Indigenous street gang lifestyles and what that connection means through the lens of survivance.

OBJECTIVE

The research explores the ways in which STR8 UP maintains connections with members and issues related to being involved in and exiting Indigenous street gang lifestyles.

GOAL

Our key goal is to learn what the organization means to the people who use their services and understand what is needed to support Indigenous Peoples as they look to remove themselves from street gang lifestyles.

Future

Findings hold promise to expand the knowledge and understanding of the issues related to being involved in and existing Indigenous street gang lifestyles..

RESEARCH METHODs


Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, we collaborated with STR8 UP and the Storycentre.

Our research used the following methods to gain insight into the ways in which STR8 UP FOUNDER Andre POILIEVRE fostered lasting and meaningful connections and what that connection means to members involved in and exiting Indigenous street gang lifestyles.
Father Andrea at a white board

digital storytelling

We ran a digital storytelling workshop where members created short 3-5 minute videos.

Image of STR8 UP Digital Story Workshop

INTERVIEWS

We also conducted pre and post-workshop interviews with each content creator in an informal kitchen table style of engagement.

STORIES

These are the stories constructed FOR THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS PROJECT.

Why Not

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How Come?

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Victim to Victorious

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My Journey

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The twinkle in my eye

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From Despair to Hope

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Oncitakwē

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Breaking the Circle

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Refined through Divine Design

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Perseverance

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Warm Embrace

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Team Members

INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Robert Henry

Dr. Henry is Métis from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and is a citizen of Métis Nation Saskatchewan. He holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Justice and Well-Being and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Henry is also the lead of the nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Networks and co-leads the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) National Coordinating Centre.

COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Chantel Huel

Chantel is a fierce and passionate advocate for humans seeking recovery with five years in recovery and 20+ years in addiction-related fields, including her current role as a STR8 UP Member and its Program Manager. She works with community to ensure that their needs, wants, and voices are centered in academic research. Chantel creates safe spaces by consistently employing trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches. Her experience with addiction and powerful voice make her an influential and essential change-maker in the community.

research assistant
Alicia Clifford

Alicia is a white settler originally from Regina, Saskatchewan. They are a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Health, Aging and Society at McMaster University, a research assistant and sessional instructor in the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Alicia is an arts-based researcher who stands in solidarity with Indigenous women forced to manoeuvre Canada's criminal legal system, including prison. They are also the board chair for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan.

PARTNERS

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS for MAKING the STR8 UP LEGACY PROJECT A REALITY.
STR8 UP LogoUniversity of Saskatchewan LogoCanadian Institute of Health Research Vertical LogoStoryCentre Canada Logo