First Nations/Métis/ Mobility Study

Final Report

Coordinated by the Institute of Urban Studies

In Collaboration with Assembly of Chiefs Manitoba Métis Federation

Funding Assistance From Western Economic Diversification

© March/2004

First Nations/Métis/Inuit Mobility Study Final Report

Principal Investigator: Jino Distasio

Senior Researcher: Gina Sylvester

Research Assistants: Christa Jaccubucci Susan Mulligan Kurt Sargent

The First Nations/Métis/Inuit Mobility Study represents the collaborative efforts of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba Métis Federation, Western Economic Diversification, and the Institute of Urban Studies (the coordinating consultant). The study received further support from a steering committee comprised of representatives from a diverse set of government departments.

ISBN 1-894858-10-7

1. Indians of North America – Manitoba – – Housing 2. Indians of North America – Manitoba – Winnipeg – Housing 3. Residential Mobility – Manitoba - Winnipeg

This project was carried out by the Institute of Urban Studies in collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Métis Federation, with funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada. The views expressed in this report are those of the Institute of Urban Studies and the participants who completed surveys. Every attempt has been made to accurately reflect the information gathered and reported.

Institute of Urban Studies First Nations/Métis/Inuit Mobility Study

Findings and Recommendations

The First Nations/Métis/Inuit Mobility Study completed 1350 interviews with persons recently moving to Winnipeg. The research was carried out over a fifteen-month period, with study participants interviewed on three separate occasions. The objective was to examine the mobility process from two perspectives: the initial move into the city and the reasons why, and the subsequent pattern of movement within the city once persons remained. The research also assessed the pattern of service use during this period to better understand the needs of persons as they adjusted to living in the city. The following section presents the key findings and recommendations derived over the course of the research.

Critical Findings: 1.0 The Initial Movement into the City

1.1 Three issues fueled the initial mobility process: family reasons, employment opportunities and education and training.

1.2 Upon first arrival, and through each survey, respondents faced a 50/50 chance of finding a place of their own. Those who did not lived temporarily with friends and family.

1.3 Many of the persons living temporarily are estimated to have been doing so for upwards of 2 years.

1.4 Upon first arriving in the city, many respondents lacked sufficient knowledge of existing services and supports to assist them in making the transition to urban living.

1.5 Once persons arrived, regardless of the reason for moving, 70% said housing (both rent subsidized and market) was the most important service they needed.

1.6 First time movers to Winnipeg were of particular concern, as they tended to not be aware of the available services to assist them, especially with respect to employment and training.

i Institute of Urban Studies First Nations/Métis/Inuit Mobility Study

2.0 The Continuing Movement of People

2.1 Mobility not only remained high but is expected to continue to be a concern as 40% of respondents stated they are likely to move within the next six months, citing housing, family and employment as contributing factors.

2.2 Increasing household size was seen as a mechanism for allowing families to live more affordably as more contributed to the monthly shelter costs.

2.3 Those persons w