Browsing by Author "Stewart, Michelle"

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Open Access
Advocates’ Perspectives on Decriminalization and Safety Strategies for Female Sex Workers
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-06) Laczko, Kendall Leanne; Stewart, Michelle; Ruddell, Richard; Anderson, A. Brenda; Hampton, Mary
Street-level sex workers are at a high risk for physical and sexual violence as a result of the stigmatization and marginalization of the sex trade industry. This thesis investigates the perceptions held by Regina sex worker advocates concerning the role of decriminalization as it relates to the safety of female sex workers. It examines the advocates’ perceptions on the type and extent of violence experienced by sex workers and the possible strategies or solutions to increase their safety. The data collected from eight semi-structured interviews with local advocates was analyzed using Attride- Stirling’s thematic network analysis. The findings of this research indicate that Aboriginal women, many of who are struggling with poverty, addictions, and social exclusion are overrepresented in the Regina sex trade. According to the advocates’ perceptions, Regina sex workers experience high levels of violence on a daily basis. This research suggests that the physical, sexual, and emotional violence sex workers experience is part of larger systemic issues that are shaped by colonialism, racism, and gender inequality. Thus, the advocates interviewed for this project argued in favour of an alternative regulation approach to sex work in Canada in order to increase the safety of sex workers and reduce the threat of violence.
Open Access
Alternative Land Tenure: A Path Towards Food Sovereignty in Saskatchewan?
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2013-03) Beingessner, Naomi Ellen; Desmarais, Annette; Eaton, Emily; Magnan, Andre; Stewart, Michelle; McLaughlin, Darrell
In the past few years, a global food crisis has fuelled corporate investment and speculation in land and the attendant dispossession of smallholders and ecological damage, while doing little to alleviate hunger or secure livings for rural dwellers. This phenomenon is most evident in the Global South, but it is happening in Canada too. The dominant industrial agricultural model in Saskatchewan, with roots in the foundation of colonial capitalist agriculture and private ownership of land on the prairies, has resulted in a decades-long “farm crisis” as smaller farmers are forced off the land and agribusinesses consolidate and dominate production. A radically different vision of access to and control over land, as the basis of a new food system, is necessary in striving for socially and ecologically just agriculture. In this thesis, the concept of food sovereignty is used as a theoretical framework because it challenges the hegemony of global industrial agriculture and offers an alternative vision for land tenure and agrarian reform based on principles of social justice. Using data from in-depth qualitative interviews as well as critical discourse analysis of primary documents, this thesis explores alternative land tenure models proposed and practised by farmers involved in a progressive agrarian organization and participants in alternative agricultural land-ownership models in Saskatchewan. Analyzing key themes from the qualitative data using food sovereignty's principles of agrarian reform, this thesis illuminates the ideology behind the dominant global industrial agriculture system, provides historical, global, and Saskatchewan-specific context for issues of access to land, and suggests an approach that unites resistance and expands possibilities for alternatives, based on the social justice principles of food sovereignty.
Open Access
Celebration Of Authorship Program 2022-2023
(University of Regina Library, 2023) Abrams, Kelly J.; Afolabi, Taiwo; Ashton, Emily; Battis, Jes; Bazzul, Jesse; Buchko, Denée M.; Coupal, Chelsea; Crivea, Jocelyn; Dupeyron, Bruno; Eaton, Emily; Fay, Holly; Farney, Jim; Farrell, Issac; French, Lindsey; Fuchs, Jesse; Garneau, David; Gerbeza, Tea; Germani, Ian; Gibb, Ryland; Grimard, Céleste; Harnish, Garett; Hoang Trung, Kien; Horowitz, Risa; Hurlbert, Margot; Jeffery, Bonnie; King, Anna-Leah; Knight, Lindsay; Knuttila, Murray; Kyabaggu, Ramona; Lavallie, Carrie; Lloyd, Kiegan; Lonie, Kelsey; Lundahl, Bev; Lylyk, Stephen; Marsh, Charity; McNeil, Barbara; Moat, Olivia; Moasun, Festus Yaw; Nestor, Jack J.; Novik, Nuelle; Owusu, Raymond Karikari; Panchuk, Kristie; Petry, Roger; Petry, Yvonne; Phipps, Heather; Ratt, Solomon; Ricketts, Kathryn; Riegel, Christian; Robinson, Katherine M.; Rocke, Cathy; Rollo, Mike; Safinuk, Corey; Saul, Gerald; Schroeter, Sara; Schultz, Christie; Wanda, Seidlikoski Yurach; Sirke, Kara; Sterzuk, Andrea; Stewart, Michelle; Szabados, Béla; Tremblay, Arjun; Whippler, Ryan; White, Judy; Wihak, Mark; Zimmer, Jonathon
Archer Library is proud to unveil the 2022-23 University of Regina Celebration of Authorship Program booklet. This downloadable publication highlights University of Regina authors/creators of books, edited proceedings, sound recordings, musical scores and film or video recordings published over the last year in any format (print or electronic). We encourage you to take a moment to view the program booklet and extend your congratulations to all of the University of Regina students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are being celebrated this year.
Open Access
Climate Change: Vulnerability and Adaptation, A Case Study of Men and Women Farmers in Eritrea
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-03) Tesfamariam, Yordanos; Hurlbert, Margot; Diaz, Harry (Polo); Stewart, Michelle; Juschka, Darlene; Schick, Carol
This study is based on qualitative research conducted by the writer using semi-structured interviews with key informants, including elderly male and female farmers. An analysis based on a theoretical framework of vulnerability and coping mechanisms was also conducted on the lived experience of farmers in Berik, in the Central Highlands, and Barentu/Sosona, in the lowlands of Gash Barka, related to climate change, including some practical recommendations they made to help them in their daily struggles for food security. Eritrea is a sub-Saharan African country suffering from food insecurity due to climate change. Subsistence-level rain-fed mixed crops and livestock comprised 95% of its agricultural products. Low rainfall and droughts adversely affect these products. Adaptation strategies are related to accessing natural resources, as well as political, economic, social, and cultural factors. Furthermore, climate change does not affect everyone in the same way. Female-headed farms, which comprise 30% in Eritrea, are affected differently than those headed by males and their adaptation strategies differ, especially in food production. Even though female-headed farms are important producers they do not have equal access to resources provided by the Ministry of Agriculture because they are not considered to be primary farmers. This situation is exacerbated by the limited availability and affordability of agricultural inputs such as land, fertilizer, seeds and labour. Four prevailing root factors emerged during this study. First was rain variability which impacted heavily on food security. Second were social/cultural views of women which prevented them from being regarded as equal primary farmers. Third was the indefinite national service, which removed farmers from their family farms, especially males. Fourth were state farms that sold products for foreign currency and used national service workers for labour, which conflicted with the needs of family farms.
Open Access
Community-Based Research Showcase Final Report and Action Items
(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2015-01) Beingessner, Naomi; Cibart, Sarah; Stewart, Michelle
This report summarizes the proceedings of the Community Film Showcase and Community-Based Research Showcase. Over one hundred participants turned out to learn about research done by community organizations and present research needs to University of Regina students and faculty. The goal of this report was to showcase these presentations and support the continued and enhanced collaboration of the University and community organizations.
Open Access
Domestic Violence and Intergenerational Trauma Amongst Aboriginal Women in Regina, Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2016-02) Hoffart, Renee Jo Marie; Jones, Nicholas; Stewart, Michelle; Pete, Shauneen
The combined effects of colonialist efforts, namely the Indian Residential School System, have had a negative impact on Aboriginal populations in Canada. This project identified a relationship between experiencing intergenerational trauma as a result of attendance at an Indian Residential School and subsequent domestic violence and its normalization in an intimate partner relationship. Through the use of the interview methodology, the researcher collected data from five First Nations women who had previously been victims of domestic violence in an intimate partner relationship and had some connection to the Indian Residential School System in Canada. Results from the interviews were analyzed using thematic network analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001) in order to assess the relationships between the issues discussed in the data. This research lends to a comprehensive understanding of domestic violence in First Nations female populations and may subsequently assist in the formation of solutions to absolve the aforementioned issue. Keywords: Indian Residential School System, intergenerational trauma, domestic violence, interpersonal violence, Aboriginal/First Nations women
Open Access
An examination of youth alcohol and drug use in Prince Albert.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2013-12) Fenno, Jason Georg; Ruddell, Rick; Jones, Nicholas; Stewart, Michelle; Brogden, Lace Marie
Information obtained from the Prince Albert Police Service and addictions services agencies show that a high number of Prince Albert youth come into contact with the police for substance abuse and referrals for youth alcohol and drug treatment are much higher than in other Saskatchewan health regions. This study examines data collected from a survey of 921 Prince Albert public high school students conducted in June 2012 to shed light on youth alcohol and drug use. The results showed that Prince Albert youth used alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs, and binge drank at much higher rates than samples of Saskatchewan or Canadian youth who were asked the same questions. In addition, the age of onset for substance use was earlier for Prince Albert youth compared to the Saskatchewan or national samples. Logistic regression analyses revealed that age was the only consistent predictor of alcohol, marijuana, binge drinking, and illicit drug use, although the validity of those analyses was limited by the limited number of predictor variables. Other key findings were that Aboriginal youth were at higher risk of using marijuana in the previous 12 months and using illicit drugs at least once in their lifetime. Furthermore, having lower school connectedness predicted alcohol use and binge drinking in the prior year. It is expected that the knowledge gained from this research will provide evidence of the scope of youth substance abuse to policy makers and program providers and that this information will be used to improve services to the youth population.
Open Access
Exploring Justice Practices: Stakeholder Conceptualizations of the Regina Mental Health Disposition Court
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2016-03) Mario, Brittany; Stewart, Michelle; Jones, Nicholas; Kortright, Chris
Mentally ill people are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Correctional statistics report that these individuals compose 13% and 29% of the male and female population respectively at the time of admission into a prison facility, which is two to three times the prevalence of the general Canadian population. Mental health courts can help alleviate this problem as they seek to divert individuals from the criminal justice system to the various community services and resources that are required. This thesis investigated the Regina Mental Health Disposition Court. Stakeholders in this study included the professional individuals who are involved with the mental health court process and clients. Stakeholder perspectives were explored through open-ended, semistructured interviews, specifically how these individuals conceptualize the court, if it is different than traditional criminal courtroom settings, and whether the court engages in an alternative form of justice. The data was analyzed using thematic network analysis. Findings reveal that the Regina Mental Health Disposition Court employs a therapeutic jurisprudence framework by engaging in a holistic approach to justice. This research addresses a gap in qualitative literature and contributes to the growing body of Canadian literature on mental health courts and demonstrates that the court is addressing a critical need in the justice system. Keywords: mental health courts, overrepresentation, Saskatchewan, diversion, criminal justice, mental health, neoliberalism, therapeutic jurisprudence, justice practices, qualitative research
Open Access
Has the Internet Killed the Crime Beat? The Influence of Social Media on Police Communications and Relationships with the Press
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2018-02) Orthner, Judith Anne; Ruddell, Rick; Stewart, Michelle; Anderson, Dawn; Maher, Timothy
This study examines the use of social media by police services to communicate directly to citizens and how this practice has had an impact on police relationships with the news media in Saskatchewan. Particular attention is paid to the role of the services’ Public Information Officer (PIO) whose job is to manage communication between the police and the public. Nine interviews with officials from Saskatchewan’s municipal police services were carried out, and the changing landscape for police communications since the introduction of social media is described. These officials served in a number of capacities, including police administrator, social media expert, public information officer, and investigator. The findings reveal that police services have embraced social media as a communications tool that increases their control over the messages being delivered to the public. Furthermore, social media is used to enhance police legitimacy through the portrayal of increased transparency and accountability. Police investigators report that using social media has, in some respects, improved their ability to cast a wider and more efficient net for receiving public information on criminal activities and non-criminal matters. However, respondents reported that soliciting information from the public has also made their work more challenging through the public’s greater interest in police operations. The study also describes how administrative oversight within police services is imperative to ensure that social media use is informed by policy and operational strategy. Suggestions for additional research and policy development for social media use are offered based on the findings of this research.
Open Access
Job Satisfaction: Officers Policing Aboriginal Communities in Canada
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-06) Lytle, Samantha Kaarina; Ruddell, Rick; Jones, Nicholas; Stewart, Michelle; Bourassa, Richard M.
Identifying the sources of job satisfaction is of key importance in better understanding workplace attitudes and behaviours, such as commitment of an employee to their profession and organization. There is limited research on the job satisfaction of officers policing Aboriginal communities which this study examines. Self-reported data from officers policing Aboriginal communities in Canada was collected by Alderson-Gill & Associates in 2007. T-tests and chi-square analyses were conducted to examine dependent variables including the average levels of job satisfaction and officers’ perceptions of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on their job satisfaction. These dependent variables of satisfaction were examined in relation to independent variables commonly associated to the job satisfaction of officers, including race, education, age, rank, workload, and organizational size. Examination of this data determined that age and Aboriginal identity were both significantly related with job satisfaction at the p≤.05 level of significance. No factors were statistically significantly associated to officers’ perceptions of the impact that intrinsic and extrinsic factors have on their satisfaction, yet, most officers were satisfied with their jobs. Supplementary analysis also determined there was a high level of social disorder in the community they serve was significantly related with job dissatisfaction, and a weaker relationship between police and community and job dissatisfaction. Implications and explanations for the findings are further discussed. Keywords: job satisfaction, Aboriginal policing, police officers, isolated communities, Aboriginal communities
Open Access
Making (in)visible: Marginality, neurodiversity and COVID-19 in urban Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2024-07) Knopf, Maren Francesca Savarese; Stewart, Michelle; Carter, Claire; Muhajarine, Nazeem
People with disabilities have been coined invisible citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research responds to the ways people with disabilities and other intersecting marginalities were made invisible during COVID-19 in urban Saskatchewan. Using arts-based participatory this research asks, “what are the practices that worked to invisibilize people with disabilities and intersecting marginalities during the COVID-19 pandemic?” To explore this question the project worked with three community-based organizations and individuals with disabilities in Regina Saskatchewan to unpack stories and truths while co-designing a creative outcome focused on lived experiences of COVID-19. Analysis explores the broader contexts in which people with disabilities were made invisible but includes particular emphasis on four focus areas: housing precarity, mental health, food insecurity and substance use. In doing so, the research is grounded in theoretical underpinnings from queer theory and disability justice. Both of which offer frameworks to examine the systems of compulsory able-bodiedness and heterosexuality that codify ideas surrounding normativity and influence pandemic responses. By telling the often-overlooked stories of people with disabilities, participants asserted that these stories are of importance and are fundamental to a collective understanding of how things happened during COVID-19. In such, the paper discusses how stories and artistic contributions from participants require the development of a radical imagination for post-pandemic futures. Keywords: Neurodiversity, COVID-19, Arts-Based Methods, Intersectionality, Invisibilization, Disability Justice
Open Access
Support-Seeking and Quality of Life in Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2015-08) Wuerch, Melissa Anne; Hampton, Mary; Asmundson, Gordon; Juschka, Darlene; Stewart, Michelle
Previous research suggests that women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) report severe physical and mental health consequences, as well as poor quality of life. One approach to dealing with the negative effects of IPV is for women to seek support through informal support networks, such as family and friends, and formal support services, such as shelters, counselling programs, and social assistance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between informal support, use of formal services, and quality of life, using a diverse sample of Canadian women who experienced IPV. Data analysis was conducted to explore two hypotheses. It was hypothesized that: 1) satisfaction with informal support would be predictive of better quality of life, above the effects of demographic characteristics (i.e., age, cultural background, education level, employment status, total income in past year, and number of children), experiences of abuse (i.e., severity of childhood abuse, severity of IPV), and number of informal and formal supports accessed; and 2) satisfaction with formal support would be predictive of better quality of life, above the effects of demographic characteristics (i.e., age, cultural background, education level, employment status, total income in past year, and number of children), experiences of abuse (i.e., severity of childhood abuse, severity of IPV), and number of informal and formal supports accessed. A supplementary analysis was also conducted to explore the relationship between experiences of childhood abuse and satisfaction with support received from informal networks and formal services. Data were analyzed from a larger research project known as “The Healing Journey: A Longitudinal Study of Women Affected by Intimate Partner Violence.” Results suggest that satisfaction with informal support and formal services was significantly associated with better quality of life. In addition, employment status was associated with better quality of life, while severity of childhood abuse experienced and cultural background were found to be significantly associated with lower quality of life. Explanations of findings, as well as scientific and clinical implications, are addressed. This study will add to the existing research literature and aid in the development of resources and services for women seeking refuge from IPV.
Open Access
Territorial Stigma on the Canadian Prairies: Representations of North Central, Regina
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2014-03) Miller, Angela Carol; Stewart, Michelle; Jones, Nicholas; Eaton, Emily; Montgomery, Kenneth; Spooner, Marc
The community of North Central, located within the small prairie city of Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada, is known for high crime rates, poor socioeconomic conditions and a large concentration of Aboriginal residents. The area’s negative reputation was furthered when MacLean’s magazine named it “Canada’s Worst Neighbourhood” in 2007. The goal of this research is to offer a richer context for this "reputation" by investigating North Central as a stigmatized territory. Territorial stigma has harmful effects (i.e. negatively impacts the social, economic, physical and mental wellbeing of residents) and as such, the role of representation and stigma must be analyzed so that inequality between neighbourhoods may be addressed proactively. This research project asks: how do residents and non-residents reproduce and resist dominant representations of North Central, Regina? This question is investigated through the analysis of fifteen semi-structured interviews using NVivo qualitative research software and Attride-Stirling’s thematic network analysis. The analysis revealed three global themes: 1) North Central is a socially constructed location and concept; 2) representations in the news media and 3) interpersonal representations. This thesis reveals that both residents and non-residents of North Central acknowledge that North Central is a troubled inner-city neighbourhood but participants tend to both challenge and emphasize various aspects of North Central, sometimes reproducing dominant representations of North Central even while trying to resist them. This research provides a greater understanding of the complex social construction of dominant representations of stigmatized urban communities.