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Abstract: 

IN SITU brings together leading research approaches to economic evolution and diversification, processes of innovation, non-urban place-based planning, and entrepreneurship in CCIs. The project aims to contribute to increasing the capacity of CCIs to act as drivers of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability in their local context.

IN SITU seeks to provide in-depth knowledge on the effects of cross-sectoral connections, innovative strategies and systems, and the needs of CCIs’ practitioners in non-urban areas, complementing this with proposals for cultural and innovation policies and frameworks. IN SITU includes a capacity-building programme to enable CCIs to address some of the key issues in their communities/regions.

The core defining aspect of IN SITU is the interlinking of research and practice through place-based IN SITU Labs -hubs for networking, capacity building, and monitoring case studies in six non-urban regions across Europe, located in Portugal, Ireland, Iceland, Finland, Latvia, and Croatia.

Project Lead :

Dr. Jude Ortiz

Project Partners:

The IN SITU project is also accompanied by an array of Outreach Partners within Europe and internationally: Culture Action Europe, DigitalMeetsCulture.eu, EMES – Research Network for Social Enterprise, Creative Scotland, United Cities and Local Governments – Committee on Culture, Cultural Development Network (Australia), Creative City Network of Canada, SPARC: Supporting Performing Arts in Rural and Remote Communities (Canada), and Sustaining Theatreand Dance (STAND) Foundation (South Africa).

In addition, the project has an International Advisory Board of seven leading international experts working on CCIs and culture-based work in non-urban areas. In addition to Dr. Ortiz, Algoma University, representing Canada, these experts include Chris R. Gibson, University of Wollongong (Australia); Susan Luckman, University of South Australia (Australia); Avril Joffe, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa); Patrick Brouder, Vancouver Island University (Canada); Tim Wojan, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and National Science Foundation (United States); and Sylvia Amann, Inforelais (Austria).

For further information, please contact Nancy Duxbury (IN SITU Principal Investigator, Centre of Social Studies, University of Coimbra, Portugal) at duxbury@ces.uc.pt.

Publication:

 

Abstract: 

NORDIK Institute was contracted for the Soup Kitchen Community Health Centre project with three deliverables:  to complete and submit an application to the Sault Ste. Marie Community Development Corporation (CDC) Local Initiatives Fund (LIF); complete and submit an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation; and to start a community engagement strategy.  The CDC LIF awarded the Soup Kitchen $10,000 based on the strength of the application and the engagement strategy saw the commencement of a pre-feasibility study, as well as the development of organizational by-laws, policies and a comprehensive strategic plan.

Researchers: 

Allyson Schmidt

Dates: 

2013

Publications: 

Abstract: 

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and NORDIK Institute collaborated together to determine the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of the Public Library on the City of Sault Ste. Marie. The study demonstrated that the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library branches respond to the neighbourhoods in which they are located and are highly valued by community members, businesses, and service organizations.  The research shows that the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library creates almost 100 jobs, generates more than $4.5 million in economic returns to the community through its programs and circulation, and is valued at $603 for every open hour.  The Library supported the overall health and well-being of the community through early childhood development; increased literacy; and decreased social isolation for all strata of society.

Dates: 

2015

Researchers:

Dr. Gayle Broad, Amanda Parr, Adela Turda 

Publications: 

The Value of Sault Ste. Marie’s Public LibraryDownload

Abstract: 

In summer 2009, the NORDIK Institute approached the Sault Ste. Marie & District Labour Council to conduct a research study on the impacts of Sault Ste. Marie trade unions on the social economy of Sault Ste. Marie. The purpose of the project was to explore the nature and extent of labour’s involvement in the social economy of Sault Ste. Marie, as a way of celebrating and making more visible the major contribution that the labour movement has made to the City of Sault Ste. Marie.  Unions are an integral part of the community, and continue to contribute positively to the social economy through their relationships with community groups and organizations, as well as through the activities of their membership.  These contributions have transformed leaders in the labour market to act in solidarity with others in the community.  Labour’s contributions highlight similar principles to the cooperative movement, which include solidarity, democratic decision-making, skills building, and the prioritization of people before profit.

Researchers:

David Thompson, Dr. Gayle Broad, Arnie Harnish, Al Fraser

Dates: 

2010

Publications: 

Sault Ste. Marie, Labour and the Social Economy – A Case StudyDownload

Abstract: 

NORDIK Institute oversaw the data collection of the $900,000 study on the effects of industrial air pollution, which involved local researchers, nurses, health professionals and over 60 research participants.  The final analysis and interpretation from Health Canada is still to be determined.  On June 23rd 2011, NORDIK received the Innovation Research Project of the Year award from the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre for the Air Quality Study.

Publication:

Exposure to air pollution near a steel plant and effects on cardiovascular physiology: A randomized crossover study

Researchers: 

Ildiko Horvath, Stephanie Blaney

Dates: 

2010-2012

Abstract: 

This was a community project in Fort Albany First Nation to promote activities that brought together youth, adults and elders in dialogue about land, water and traditional territory.  An advisory group composed of community representatives developed a strategy for a ‘community mapping’ process that centers on valuing Mushkegowuk (Cree) practices and knowledge.  NORDIK, through collaboration with the advisory group, developed a series of training and research activities, including a CESD community-based “off-site” university accredited course on community based research, mapping and land/water issues.

Researchers:

Dr. Sheila Gruner, Edmund Metatawabin

Dates: 

2008-2012

Links: 

For more information on the project, including image galleries and the “Paquataskimik is Home” documentary, visit the Paquataskimik website.

Abstract: 

The Neighbourhood Resource Centre (NRC) located on Gore Street in Sault Ste. Marie, provides person-centred and accessible services, for a wide variety of needs, and a safe space for socialization.  Agencies through the NRC, work collaboratively, respond quickly and create opportunity for connection with community members accessing the Centre.  However, The research demonstrated deficits in awareness of the specific services and /agencies attending the NRC and the need to improve deliberate, on-going outreach needs to be improved upon.  Perceptions of the police presence was also a concern and community member/business relationships will need more time and effort to improve.

Researchers: 

Lauren Doxtater, Dr. Gayle Broad

Dates:

2015

Publications: 

Abstract: 

Through partnership with Edith Orr, manager of the Johnson Township Farmers’ Market, and the Algoma Food Network, NORDIK examined the flow of local food into the Sault Ste. Marie marketplace.  A directory and map of businesses that report sourcing local (to the Algoma District) food (local food meaning any product harvested or raised in the Algoma District) was developed.

Researchers: 

David Thompson and Nairne Cameron

Dates: 

2012

Links: 

Local Food Retail MapDownload

Abstract:

This report presents the calculation for Sault Ste. Marie’s living wage, determining the 2019 amount to be $16.16 an hour. A living wage is the hourly wage a worker needs to meet their necessary expenses and enjoy a decent standard of living beyond poverty. It is calculated with a consideration of community-specific family expenses and includes basic costs such as food, rent, clothing, childcare and transportation, as well as items such as extended health care, recreation and a modest family vacation. This hourly wage reflects an adequate income for a family of four (two full-time working adults and two children) to cover their reasonable needs and participate socially in their community

Researchers:

Tamanna Rimi, Sean Meades, Jude Ortiz

Dates:

2020

Publication:

The Living Wage for SSM ReportDownload

Abstract: 

A collaboration between the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie & District and NORDIK.  This one-year project, Graffiti Reframed, was a community engagement strategy brought together a diversity of people and organizations that aided in the broad based understanding of graffiti by gathering perspectives of youth participants and the public.  Graffiti Reframed addressed the identified need for understanding graffiti, the forces driving creation, and community attitudes toward graffiti itself, that emerged from the Downtown Dialogue in Action research; a partnership between the John Howard Society, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and NORDIK that developed a strategic action plan for social development in the downtown core.  

Researchers: 

Jude Ortiz, Liz Cooke, Sean Meades, and Dr. Gayle Broad

Sharon Hunter, Cameron Dutchak and Mistr Tahti lead the skills and mural development.

Funders and Partners:

  • Ontario Trillium Foundation
  • Northern Ontario Heritage Corporation
  • Art Gallery of Algoma
  • Cases Music
  • 180 projects
  • 360 SSM Media Arts Collective
  • Neighbourhood Resource Centre (Gore St.)
  • Steel City Motorsports

Dates:

2013-2014

Publication: 

Graffiti Reframed Final Report