Images of Newcoming

Green trees picture = Nature and exclusion

Participant commentary: “I grew up in small places. So, whenever I go out and I see this, it’s a huge place for me. If I’m alone, I think I’ll be crying, because I will know it’s too big. I feel like I’m the only person in that place and I have no one. I don’t belong to big spaces. I belong more in the small places.”

Snow trees picture = Nature and belonging

Participant commentary: “I feel like I can do my daily activities as a Canadian. I’m not scared. I thought I would be stuck and could not live in cold or ice. When I saw that there was snow outside, I used to say, ‘how I can go outside’? [But now] I feel free when I go outside, and I can go anywhere.”

Over 2021–22, researchers from the University of the Fraser Valley used photovoice to learn from the experiences of newcomer women. By adopting a feminist, arts- and community-based research approach, we asked participants — migrant women including immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers — to take digital photos that expressed their perceptions and experiences of belonging and exclusion while settling in Canada. The images taken and shared by participants (approximately 40) stimulated thought-provoking dialogue and conversation about the needs of newcomer women within local settlement programming. One unique finding was the importance of being in nature and the feeling of safety while outdoors, which conjured up a sense of belonging. Understanding of exclusion emerged in photos highlighting experiences of isolation rooted in exploring unfamiliar land and the lack of connection to place. Participatory photography can enhance our collective understanding of belonging and exclusion for marginalized populations and the project hopes to raise awareness around the settlement experience for women in the Lower Mainland.

Co-researchers are Dr. Brianna Strumm (Social Work and Human Services), Dr. Amea Wilbur (Adult Education), and Dr. Tanis Sawkins (Adult Education).

Participant photos are anonymous.