2016 Saskatchewan Urban Aboriginal Strategy released
- EFN Staff | February 08, 2017
The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan undertook extensive engagement activities between April 2015 and April 2016. Funded through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, this 2016 Urban Aboriginal Strategy was created through the voices heard during those engagement activities. The strategy is based on the insights and personal experiences of over 1000 Saskatchewan Aboriginal people through one-on-one interviews, surveys, and focus groups.
Identity or ‘sense of self’ was voiced as the most critical link to improving the quality of life for Saskatchewan urban Aboriginal people. The study asked participants about their personal and relational experiences with service providing organizations as well as with economic and social structures.
The engagements revealed that many Aboriginal people have lost their sense of self, their sense of community, and their connection to their culture. These three losses were seen by participants to be at the root of all challenges faced by Aboriginal people today. Restoring this in Aboriginal people was also seen to be at the root of all long term sustainable solutions.
Also significant, the study heard from over 75% of respondents that either themselves, or someone close to them, had experienced depression and/or addiction. Restoration of identity, connection to culture, and meaningful opportunities to participate in economic and social structures were seen as foundational to changing destructive cycles of addiction and depression.
Engagement participants stressed a need for inclusiveness, along with culturally responsive systems. Participants felt Aboriginal people should both determine the type of changes needed and, also, lead the change processes themselves. All change should be grounded in Aboriginal wisdom and culture.
Though roundtable talks, communities asked for opportunities to increase collaboration with Aboriginal citizens and organizations. Discussions emphasized the need and desire for communities to enhance community cultural competency. A culturally competent community fosters mutual respect between all cultures.
To view the full study with participant recommendations for change and specific research data, visit www.afcs.ca. Request a hard copy from wilo@sasktel.net.