Now(here): Exploring the experiences of displacement and relocation of the 1.5 Generation Colombian refugees living in the Lower Mainland through narrative inquiry

The experiences of displacement not only entail fleeing a threat against one's life; it means re-writing one’s story in a new location and often in a new language and a new culture. The journey of the refugees also includes coming to terms with one’s own refugeeness as an identity and making meaning of experiences of displacement and relocation. The purpose of this study is to answer the question: “How do Colombian refugees who belong to the 1.5 generation living in the Lower Mainland make meaning of their experiences of displacement and relocation?” Narrative inquiry in combination with art-based elicitation was the primary method used. Findings from this study will be relevant for counsellors and social service providers who work with this population. The opportunity to have a better understanding of the challenges that 1.5 generation refugees will offer information to design meaningful support strategies for both clients and mental health service providers.