Who is a settler? Samantha Lourdes Meza-Tejada, Social Work in the Settlement Sector and the Pursuit for Reconciliation: Reflections from Newcomer Latinos/as on Settler Colonialism and Reconciliation in Canada’, MA dissertation, University of Calgary, 2025 | settler colonial studies blog

Who is a settler? Samantha Lourdes Meza-Tejada, Social Work in the Settlement Sector and the Pursuit for Reconciliation: Reflections from Newcomer Latinos/as on Settler Colonialism and Reconciliation in Canada’, MA dissertation, University of Calgary, 2025

07Jul25

Abstract: Formed on the practice of colonization, the creation of Canada is based on the immigration of French and English settler colonizers on stolen land. As time went on, immigration expanded to individuals of racialized backgrounds in search of starting a new life or seeking refuge in Canada. When we consider colonial legacies in immigration, and as we see modern-day immigration open to more non-European and racialized newcomers, how do we understand who is a settler or settler colonizer in the present time? This settler/non-settler debate carries particular importance when considering the Truth & Reconciliation (T&R) Calls to Action from the perspective of racialized newcomers to Canada, the settlement sector, and the social work profession’s interaction with racialized newcomers and immigrants. Using critical ethnography and exploring this topic through coloniality of power, postcolonial, and decolonial theories, this thesis shares details from a study completed with newcomer Latinos/as in Calgary, Alberta that explored their understanding and own positionality to settler colonialism, reconciliation, and being a racialized newcomer in Canada. Initial findings of this study present observations from Latin American cultural events, media, and reflections from individual interviews completed with Latino/a study participants as they explore their identity as newcomers in Canada and as individuals originating from a country and culture deeply rooted in colonization. This thesis concludes by offering recommendations on how these findings can be considered to promote a more relatable and intentional practice and engagement of reconciliation and achieving the T&R Calls to Action specifically for racialized newcomers, the settlement sector, and social work professionals who work with such populations.

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