1998/99 PCERII Funded Research Abstract

Research Title: The Social Integration of Salvadoran Refugees in Regina

Research Team: Douglas Durst (University of Regina) - Principal Investigator

Research Domain(s): Economic; Social

This research endeavors to examine the social integration of Salvadoran refugees in Regina. Qualitative in design, this study will give a voice to Salvadoran refugees who have settled in Regina as the result of a violent 12 year civil war that ended in 1992, and resulted in the uprooting of 25% of the population. Since 1979, nearly 37,000 Salvadorans have sought refuge in Canada (Young & Evans, 1997). Many of those who have come to Canada have been the victims of torture or persecution due to alleged or actual participation with peasant groups, trade union movements, human rights groups, and political parties (Sehl & Naidoo, 1985). Despite this fairly substantial flow of refugees, little research has been conducted on this population in Canada.

Anecdotal evidence from settlement workers and social workers in Regina suggests that this group has faced many challenges in the integration process, evidenced by high unemployment, poverty, and divisions within the Salvadoran community. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews will be used to give the Salvadorans the opportunity to tell their stories, identify any barriers to integration that they have encountered, and suggest practical solutions to remove those barriers. In addition, a comprehensive literature review will be completed, culminating in the production of an annotated bibliography. A final report will be prepared that will be shared with relevant stakeholders.