The experiences, needs and preferences of Indigenous older adults in Canada, although by no means identical, are in many ways distinct from those of non-Indigenous older adults. This has important implications for housing and support experiences in later life. Two local Indigenous community leaders in Winnipeg, Canada formed the Indigenous Seniors Research Committee (ISRC) to study older Indigenous persons’ experiences of aging, housing and supports within Winnipeg, and to use the research in advocacy. After describing how the project unfolded, we summarize what we learned from 48 Indigenous older adults who participated in interviews and focus circles. Participants often faced significant challenges in accessing safe and affordable housing that would support their well-being in their later years, including their cultural and community connection. Housing and other challenges to aging well from an Indigenous perspective are rooted in racism, generational poverty, and settler-colonialism. Most participants highly valued connections to family and community, though many experienced significant disruptions in this regard over their lives, amplified in later life by mobility and transportation challenges. Strong interdependence, coupled with the psycho-social effects of colonialism in families and communities, generated sometimes significant worry and concern for helping others. Participants also spoke of how past traumatic experiences within various institutional systems could be additional barriers to accessing needed resources. Findings from this research reinforce that efforts to support the housing and aging-related needs of Indigenous persons should be Indigenous-led, promote family-centred options, and centre Indigenous values in design, programs and processes, while recognizing diversity among Indigenous older adults. Our group’s findings also call for approaches that extend beyond building more housing to prevent or address the displacement of Indigenous older adults from their families/culture/kin and reduce the harms of medical and institutional approaches to aging.

Lucille Bruce is a proud member of the Red River Metis Nation in Canada and a respected, urban Indigenous community leader and activist. Lucille’s 30+ years of transformative work and volunteerism in the Indigenous urban community led to the establishment of a continuum of culturally relevant services and housing initiatives for the most vulnerable populations in Winnipeg. Lucille has also volunteered on numerous national, regional and local boards and committees, and currently serves as coChair of the Indigenous Seniors Research Committee and Manitoba Seniors Equity Action Coalition.