Rebecca Bekele
Peel Polaroid Project | Brampton, Ontario
Rebecca Bekele is a second-generation Ethiopian-Canadian and a lifelong resident of Peel. She is an Honours Health Sciences student specializing in Child Health at McMaster University and the founder of Peel Arts & Health, a youth-led collective addressing health disparities in Peel through creative storytelling. Growing up in Brampton, she witnessed how systemic inequities affect families and communities, especially those of Black, African, and Caribbean descent. These experiences shaped her commitment to health equity, poverty reduction, and narrative medicine. She is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health through the arts, amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals, and sparking inclusive dialogue.
About the Project
By 2026, more than 4 million Ontarians will be without a family doctor, and in Peel, over 223,000 residents already lack access to primary care. Across Ontario, research shows that certain groups, including Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) communities, are among those most impacted by these gaps. The Peel Polaroid Project responds by capturing the perspectives of BAC residents in Brampton through portrait photography, storytelling, and community dialogue. Rooted in narrative medicine, this initiative will collect 40 stories and portraits, exhibited in community spaces, transforming them into storytelling galleries that amplify lived experiences, spark reflection, and foster civic awareness.