Survey
From January to March 2025, we conducted an online survey of MOSAIC and YMCA BC newcomer clients who had participated in citizenship-related classes or programs. We received 232 complete responses, representing a wide range of backgrounds and immigration statuses.
The survey provided initial insights into newcomers’ interpretations of citizenship, belonging, and Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, as well as barriers and motivations to naturalize. These insights informed subsequent phases of the project.
Photo Narratives
From the survey respondents, we recruited 20 newcomers to participate in a photo narrative phase. This approach was informed by both narrative inquiry and arts-based, participant-generated image research methods, including photovoice, autophotography, and other participatory photography traditions. We used researcher-provided prompts to guide the process.
First, Project Manager Lisa Brunner and Graduate Researcher Claudia Serrano held a series of online workshops to meet participants, explain the method, and share photos and reflections of their own migration journeys as examples.
Then, from March to April 2025, each week participants were invited to take one photo and write a short reflection in response to the following prompts:
- Week 1: How does your migration journey shape who you are?
- Week 2: What does belonging in Canada mean to you?
- Week 3: What does Canadian citizenship mean to you?
- Week 4: What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?
In total, participants shared over 80 photos and 80 written reflections.
Paired Interviews
Next, each participant from the photo narrative phase was invited to join a paired interview to discuss their photos and reflections. This stage drew on both photo-elicitation and paired interview methods.
From May to June 2025, we interviewed participants online in groups of two. They presented their photos and reflections and engaged in dialogue with us and with one another.
In total, we conducted 10 paired interviews with 20 participants.
Next steps
We are now analyzing the data and preparing to host a public exhibit of the photo narratives, likely in summer 2026.
Our findings and other forms of knowledge sharing will be added here as they become available.