Barriers remain for Surrey's growing Indigenous population: report

Surrey's Indigenous population is one of the fastest growing in B.C., but many feel disconnected from their traditional lands and language, according to a new report from the Surrey Cares Community Foundation(SCCF).

The reportfound that only one per cent of the city's 13,000 Indigenous residents speak their traditional languages, while up to half feel disconnected from theirterritories.The population has grown by 76 per cent since 2001.

Findings from thereport, titled First Peoples: Perspectives on Urban Belonging, are based on a series of survey research, Statistics Canada and census data, interviews,anddatagathered from the municipality, local health authorities, and the school district.

According toShirley Wilson, the project manager behind the report, much of the disconnect stems from a lack of cultural spaces and services within the city limits.

"Surrey iskind of sitting in a unique situation... [the city sits] on six traditional territories, but we only have one band office represented by one First nation," said Wilson, referring to the Semiahmoo First Nation.

"That means that our cultural resources in Surrey aren't as robust as they are in [neighbouring municipalities]."

Little cultural space

According to the report, a lack of cultural spaces, such as alonghouse or sweat lodge,in the municipality means many residents travel to Chilliwack, Tsawwassenor Vancouver to attend cultural events.

Wilson says it's hard for those who rely on public transit to attend gatherings outside the city.

"There are more programs and services available for First Nationswith ...a similar population in Vancouverthan there are here," said Wilson.

"First Peoples who live in Surrey who need transportation to attend an event outside of Surrey ... it should be accessible for them."

Strengthening communities

Wilson hopes the SCCFreportcan help guide the City of Surrey as it looks to strengthen its Indigenous communities.

The city is in the midst of implementing itsUrban Indigenous Social InnovationStrategya comprehensive plan it hopes willimprovehealth and economic conditions in the community. The strategy was developed partly in response to recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The city has also committed to 'Indigenize' pubic spaces,and provide more culturally sensitive housing options.

SemiahmooFirst Nation councillor Joanne Charles says she welcomes the city's approach but time is of the essence.

"Some of the local native housing units have a long waiting list, so that's troublesome for people with elders in care as our population ages," said Charles.

"There needs to be a more in-depth conversation," she added.