Authors: McLeod, S., Mahegun Tails Inc., Wells, L., & Litviniuc, A.

Date: June 2022

This research report centres Indigenous Peoples’ experiences and outlines primary prevention solutions that address the root causes of violence to promote systemic change. It builds on the rich work already accomplished by Indigenous researchers and activists from across Canada and reflects the expertise and lived experiences of three Indigenous researchers and eight Elders living in Alberta, who guided the research process. Created in an ethical space, where Indigenous and Western worldviews came together for sustainable anti-violence solutions, the report proposes five transformative changes to achieve Indigenous sovereignty along with a list of reforms in six systems that are necessary to prevent violence: justice and policing, child welfare, health, education, housing, and transportation.

There are two versions of the report. The first is the Strong Women’s Circle Technical Report that provides detailed recommendations for policy reforms. This will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, as it contains the project’s theory and methodology, comprehensive quantitative and qualitative supporting evidence, and detailed recommendations for transformative changes and systemic reforms. The second version is a summary that offers a concise overview of the main research findings, as well as QR codes that link to interviews with Elders on solutions to prevent violence. Click Download Report to read the summary report.

Please visit the Alberta Primary Prevention Playbook page to learn more about this and the other reports that will make Alberta a more inclusive and safe place to live, work, and play.