Are There Differences between the Aboriginal Homeless Population and the non-Aboriginal Homeless Population in Calgary?

A ten year plan to end homelessness was established in Calgary, a major city in Canada. When representatives of service agencies were asked if they had special programs for Aboriginal people, they questioned why this would be necessary. To answer this, data collected from members of the city’s homeless population by the Calgary Homeless Foundation were examined to compare those who selfreported as being Aboriginal to those who did not. In this sample of the homeless population, Aboriginal participants were found to be younger, less educated, more likely to be unemployed, to have experienced foster care, and to have been the victim of an attack. They tended to use health services more. These results are discussed in light of the social and political challenges facing Aboriginal people. They point to the need for attention to the special needs of Aboriginal people in plans to end homelessness.