"When You See Nature, Nature Give You Something Inside": The Role of Nature-based Leisure in Fostering Refugee Well-being in Canada. (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hurly, Jane; Walker, Gordon J.
• Is Part Of: Leisure sciences. Volume 41:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 260
• Page End: 277
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: mental health -- nature-based leisure -- refugees -- well-being; Leisure -- Periodicals; 306.4812
• DOI: 10.1080/01490400.2017.1325799
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-0400

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the impacts of nature-based leisure on the well-being of refugees in Canada. For this interpretive study we used semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation to explore four refugees' experiences of a two-day winter camping experience in northern Alberta and how it might foster their well-being. Participants, from three African countries, and Iran, welcomed an opportunity to be away in a natural setting, to connect with others, to learn new activities, involve their families, and as a distraction from their daily lives. Refugees acknowledged the welcoming efforts of the social services and parks agencies in bolstering their confidence and well-being. Refugees' experiences underscored both the importance of access to nature-based leisure in mitigating stress, and host societies' attitudes toward newcomers in fostering their well-being. Our findings suggest that developing nature-based leisure opportunities for refugees may promote their well-being and sense of belonging.