Since 2005, the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy (TUAS), a community-based strategic planning committee, has been focused on improving social and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people living in Thompson. Recently, the TUAS collaborated with its many partners to develop a five-year strategic plan.
Part of the process was to collect thoughts, ideas, concerns and suggestions from Thompson’s Indigenous community members through a Community Consultation Survey. Almost 200 people responded, with approximately half of the respondents identifying as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit).
The majority of Indigenous individuals completing the survey were between the ages of 36 and 55 (48 per cent), followed by those aged 18 to 35 (32 per cent), aged 56 and up (18 per cent), and under 18 (one per cent). Seventy-one per cent of respondents identified as female and 26 per cent identified as male. One per cent of respondents identified as other. Of the respondents, 90 per cent resided in Thompson at the time of completing the survey.
Individuals were asked to identify concerns in the following six priority areas
• Culture
• Education and
Training
• Employment
• Housing
• Women and Children
• Youth
With respect to culture, respondents most frequently identified racism as a concern, followed by the need for community-based cultural programming; effects of residential schools and colonization; cultural celebrations/events; and identity.
For education and training, respondents most frequently identified the need for life skills and pre-employment programs followed by lack of relocation supports and lack of educational opportunities.
For housing needs, respondents most frequently identified lack of affordable housing followed by accessibility and the need for transitional/supported housing.
For women and children, respondents most frequently identified access to childcare followed by family violence and lack of community supports.
For youth, respondents most frequently identified access to recreation followed by land-based education and cultural identity.
Many suggestions were given by respondents, and the TUAS has used these, along with the other data collected, to help shape the direction of the TUAS’s activities and strategic plan for the next five years.
Next steps have included applying for funding to Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAC) to address some of these identified concerns. Of high priority is culture, as it is the bedrock and foundation that all other work needs to be built upon. The truth about Aboriginal history needs to be told, and retold until all community members, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, are made aware. Reconciliation is the goal, and it will require the collective efforts of all community members over many generations. Over the next several years, the TUAS plans to provide cultural proficiency training, continue its education series called Building Bridges to Reconciliation, and host traditional teachings events and celebrations.
In appreciation to those taking the time to fill out a survey, the TUAS had a draw to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet. The lucky winner was Daren Thompson. Congratulations to Daren, and thank you to everyone who completed a survey!
