Voices and visions: Transformative creativity in a northern context.

This thesis is an arts-based, qualitative examination of the phenomenological reality of individuals who practically and/or theoretically live on the edge of society in Prince George, British Columbia. The primary group consists of homeless women living in an emergency shelter in downtown Prince George, British Columbia and grew to include students and social justice activists. Though the primary discussion is centered on the women from the shelter, quotes and contributions from the other groups are included to highlight some of the common threads. The research project is an investigation of the potential of art as a powerful mechanism for theorizing about the structures of oppression which mediate everyday experiences however, it also became apparent that there was a connection between the creative process, feminine solidarity, and healing while creating a model for community arts-based research that can contribute positively to the individuals, agencies, and research institutions who participate. --P. iii.