Alberta resilient communities project - Children and the crisis of environmental disasters: Understanding impacts and resiliency strategies

The 2013 Southern Alberta flood resulted in devastating impacts affecting social, economic, health, and environmental infrastructures. Children were particularly affected by this environmental disaster because of their... [ view full abstract ]

The 2013 Southern Alberta flood resulted in devastating impacts affecting social, economic, health, and environmental infrastructures. Children were particularly affected by this environmental disaster because of their dependence on adults, and psychological and social factors related to their developmental stage, life cycle, and structural vulnerabilities. Little is known about how disasters impact children’s lives during these times of crises, particularly from their own voices. This paper discusses a current research study that engages children between the ages of 5-12 years, as well as their parents and siblings (key influencers in their lives) in Calgary, High River, and the outlying Foothills region. This paper focuses on the importance of examining: 1) How disasters influence children’s everyday experiences; 2) How children can best be supported post-disaster by the key-influencers in their lives; 3) How and in which ways children demonstrate resiliency post-disaster; and 4) How key influencers’ perspectives can inform resiliency strategies for children. This paper provides perspectives on how children can act as powerful catalysts for change in their families and communities. This study is part of the larger “Alberta Resilient Communities Project” conducted as collaborative undertaking with Dr. Caroline McDonald-Harker (Mount Royal University), Dr. Julie Drolet (University of Calgary), and Dr. Robin Cox (Royal Roads University) funded by Alberta Innovates: Health Solutions CRIO Grant.