The Veterans Village Lab facilitated meaningful engagement with Veterans from across Canada to deepen the understanding of their experiences that could inform a unique perspective on the Veterans Village model. Insights from the lab’s Veterans highlighted the need for building empathy and understanding among the community members who might see a Veterans Village developed in their neighbourhood. Consequently, an open-source engagement toolkit was developed to streamline engagement in the site development of such a project, by enhancing opportunity for discourse and learning among those who live nearby. This toolkit facilitates tailored conversations and serves as a blueprint for engaging communities on veteran-centric housing. By offering resources to existing communities, the Veterans Village Lab aims to transform perceptions and dialogue surrounding veterans and their housing needs. Ultimately, making the transition for Veterans into housing one that is embraced by the community and leaves those who served our country to feel welcomed and safe at home.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
