Current Research and Interest
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Research Interests
Criminal Harassment
Incest, Sexual Assault
Violence Against Women
Expressive Arts Therapy
Feminist Social Work
Anti-Racism, Mediation
Sexual Expressions and Identities
Research of Interest
(click to download)
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Social Garden Research Project
University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Si Transken
Serena Black
Sarah Boyd
Dr. Scott Green
Dr. Zoe Meletis
Marli Bodhi
The Gateway neighbourhood in Prince George, BC, is often characterized as being the most dangerous area of the city. As it is easy to become both disconnected and distrusting when living in such a place, it is important to explore how to provide the opportunity for residents to rebuild a sustainable and meaningful community. The intent of phase one of the Social Garden Research Project is to explore participant perspectives on the Growing Community Garden (GCG) and it's role in the Gateway neighbourhood. Thirteen people of varying participatory roles and demographics were interviewed throughout the second season of the GCG regarding their experiences in the garden, motivation behind participation, description and/or concerns around the neighbouhood. Four themes arose from the interviews: 1) the desire to reconnect and meet new people, 2) personal connections and experiential learning, 3) the growing potential of community gardens to influence change and build community, and 4) immediate concerns around drugs and crime in the neighbourhood.
 Marli Bodhi, Scott Green, Sarah Boyd, Si Transken and Mercedes, during one of the first days at the Growing Community Garden (Annual Plant and Bake Sale).
Si and Mer at the first gARTivism event at the Growing Community Garden, 2012.
Si, incorporating some old parts recovered at the autowreckers into her gARTivism.
Mer musing on her connections to growth and gardens.
A participant's work in progress - "A Harvest of Hope".
 Participants really connected with using scrap metal and different chunks from the autowreckers - and we had a lot of supplies!
gARTivism allowed all ages to connect to their inner artists, and to share their experiences with each other.
Final report and scholarly publication will be made available online in the near future. Click here to see the draft of the final report.
Women's Her-story Project - Women's Wall of Fame
University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Si Transken
Vienna Skauge-Bouillon
Sarah Body-Noel
The goal of the Women's Wall of Fame is to provide a snapshot and personal herstory of several women who have helped shape the Northern Women's Centre. The project looked at the past 15 years of the Women's Centre's beginning with the women who were involved with creating the Women's Centre to the current women who ensure that the centre continues to run. The women were asked to participate by either filling out a questionnaire, or participating in an interview. Women were asked how they were in/formally involved with the NWC, what their specific contributions were around, their wish for the future of the NWC, where they are now and how the NWC influenced their life, as well as a general question about anything they wanted to share about their experience working with the NWC.
Click here to see the Powerpoint Presentation. The final report will be made available shortly.
Women and Home Fullness: What helped us land on our feet.
University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Si Transken
Lacey-Rae Strader
Sarah Body-Noel
Abstract:
Far too often the notions of what government and funders assume is needed and necessary dictates what programs do or do not get funding. Rather than inquire about the supports women who are presently homeless need, this research focuses on those who have survived homelessness and what agencies, supports and individuals effectively and meaningfully helped them regain stability. The intent of phase one of the Women and Homefullness research study is to create a comprehensive list of suggestions and recommendations created by women who have used a variety of the social services Prince George has to offer. Ten women from varying backgrounds were interviewed regarding their struggles with previously being homelessness and their journey in finding secure housing and varying forms of self-defined stability. By asking what was helpful, rather then speculating about what could be helpful, this study recognizes that the experts in the area of need vs. pre-conceived need are the women who were service users and are now success stories.
Click here to see the final report of Women and Homefullness.
Life in the Combat Zone: Exploring Women's Health in relation to Child Custody and Access Dispute in northern BC (2010)
University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Si Transken (Principle investigator)
Sarah Body-Noel (Project Coordinator)
Jacqueline Moyse (Research Associate)
Vienna Bouillon (Research Associate)
Amanda Labbe (Research Associate)
Abstract:
The primary purpose of the research was to qualitatively explore the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of women in relation to the child custody litigation process. The research focused on women's accounts of how being embroiled in a court-involved child custody battle can have many impacts on their health status. The research time also sought to understand the health of women in northern BC who face legal and social inequities in relation to the systems and processes around child custody and access issues.
Click here to view the final report of Life in the Combat Zone.
Playing the Game: Women's experiences with Child Custody and the Legal System
(2009)
University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Si Transken
Sarah Body-Noel
Vienna Bouillon
Lacey-Rae Strader
Abstract:
This study focused on qualitatively examining women's experiences and the impacts of gender-roles in relation to court-determined child custody, Legal Aid and the court process. Women were asked to describe their lived experiences related to the legal system and child custody, how wealth/lack of wealth affected the process, and what resources and services they utilized. By researching women who have worked through the legal system, we can discover what barriers, whether they be financial or lack of services, that created difficulties for women trying to manoeuvre the court system. By identifying barriers, we can then provide suggestions for changes in varying scopes, which could help other women navigate the system.
Click here to view the final report of Playing the Game.
Altering Rotten smiles to lovely smiles: how might this be life changing?
University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Si Transken
Lacey-Rae Strader
Often individuals can be heard complaining about the price of a simple cleaning or filling from the dentist; however, many of these people have some form of dental coverage that assists them in paying the dentists’ bill. Other individuals can be heard lamenting the fact that they do not have the opportunity to complain about paying the high prices, because they can not afford any form of dental insurance and thus can not dream of paying full price for a simple cleaning. With fewer business and unions offering dental care and with the price of a simple cleaning amounting to a month’s worth of groceries for some families, universal dental care is the next large national project that needs to be addressed. Much like the stop smoking campaign involving graphic posters, this study intends to create awareness for the plight of those who can not afford health care by developing educational posters. These posters will provide a visual of the suffering of those experiencing oral decay do to the inability to pay for anything—not even a simple cleaning. Ideally these posters will invoke individual’s logic and imagination and create a foundation to begin to build a case for universal health care. A final report summarizing participant’s experiences regarding poor dental
health and the lack of services will be written in the hopes of encouraging community discussion and problem solving around the issue poverty and dental care.
AWAC: Artivism
Artivism created by research participants at AWAC, Prince George.
Si and Mer always ensured good eats at the events - it encourages creativity.
Masks created by the research participants at AWAC.
Artivism created during one of many research projects involving AWAC, in Prince George, B.C.
Si embracing wild, messy creativity.
 Si's Artivist display at Bridges Festival, UNBC, July 2009.
Si's Artivist display at Bridges Festival, UNBC, July 2009.
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