URBAN ABORIGINAL TASK FORCE �� Barrie/Midland/Orillia Final Report

Throughout 2005 and 2006, the Urban Aboriginal Barrie/Midland/ Task Force, a partnership of Aboriginal organizations and government agencies, oversaw community-based Orillia Final research in ﬁve urban sites: Barrie / Midland / Orillia, Kenora, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Ottawa. Report | Designed to shed new light on on-going struggles and critical new developments taking place in urban �� Aboriginal communities across the province, the project investigated racism, homelessness, poverty, �� 2007 � youth, women, and health, also considering broader �� concerns of culture and identity, gaps in delivery of services, Elders and long-term care, women and

children, access to resources, and assessment of � �� Aboriginal services. Commissioned by

The Barrie / Midland / Orillia Final Report constitutes the The Ontario Federation of Indian fourth of the ﬁve site reports and with the other Friendship Centres site reports will inform the preparation of the Final Report of the Urban Aboriginal Task Force. It is our hope that The Ontario Metis Aboriginal the Final Report will initiate a new wave of positive, Association cooperative policy, programme, and legislative

change aimed at improving the quality of life for all �� The Ontario Native Women’s urban Aboriginal people in Ontario. Association

Additional copies of this report are available for download from www.oﬁfc.org.

UATF_BMO.cover.indd 1 9/25/07 1:18:04 PM

Urban Aboriginal task force Barrie / Midland / Orillia Final Report

Urban Aboriginal task force

Barrie/Midland/ Orillia Final Report

september 2007

Commissioned by

The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres

The Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association

The Ontario Native Women’s Association The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, and the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association thank the following for their support.

Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs Ministry of Children and Youth Services Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministry of Community and Social Services Statistics Canada

We would like to thank members of the Task Force, the Barrie / Midland / Orillia Community Advisory Committee and members of the Barrie / Midland / Orillia Aboriginal community that gave generously of their time and expertise to contribute to this study. Meegwetch.

—Don McCaskill and Kevin Fitzmaurice Contents

Preface 11

1 Introduction 13 1.1 Background 13 1.2 Initial research interests 14 1.3 The Task Force partners 14

2 Methodology: A Community Based Approach to Research 16 2.1 The Barrie / Midland / Orillia Community Research Committee 16 2.2 CAC local research priorities 17 2.3 Data gathering 18 2.4 Key respondent interviews 18 2.5 Life histories 20 2.6 Focus groups 20 2.7 Plenary sessions 21 2.8 Community survey 22 2.9 Looking back, looking forward 22

3 Demographics and Mobility Patterns 23 3.1 Placing the study in its urban context 23 3.1.1 The City of Barrie 23 3.1.2 The City of Orillia 24 3.1.3 The Town of Midland 24 3.1.4 Surrounding Aboriginal population 24 3.1.5 Demographics 25 3.2 Gender 25 3.3 Education 26 3.4 Age 28 3.5 Length of residency in Barrie / Midland / Orillia for Aboriginal people 28 3.6 Housing 30 3.7 Visits to community of origin 31 3.8 Health 32

4 Service Delivery to Aboriginal People 34 4.1 Background of Aboriginal social services 34 4.2 Evolution of Aboriginal agencies 36 4.2.1 The City of Barrie 36 4.2.2 The City of Orillia 37 4.2.3 The Town of Midland 37 4.3 Major challenges in service delivery 37 4.3.1 Aboriginal service providers 38 4.3.2 Lack of organizations and agencies in Orillia 40 4.3.3 Housing 41 4.3.4 Employment 42 4.4 The priorities of government 42 4.4.1 The issue of funding 44 4.5 Coordination among Aboriginal service providers 45

5 Culture and Identity 48 5.1 The Challenges of being urban and Aboriginal 48 5.2 Cultural identity expression 54 5.3 Languages spoken 55 5.4 Income and Aboriginal culture 56

6 Aboriginal Children and Youth in Barrie, Midland and Orillia 59 6.1 Youth and education 59 6.2 Major social and educational challenges for Aboriginal children and youth 61 6.4 Youth programming 66 7 Income Levels and Rates of Poverty for Aboriginal People 68 7.1 Income levels 68

8 Racism and Aboriginal People in Barrie, Midland And Orillia 72

9 Aboriginal Health Issues in Barrie, Midland and Orillia 77 9.1 Perception of health 77 9.2 Health care provision 80 9.3 Traditional healing 82

10 Aboriginal Women in Barrie, Midland and Orillia 83

11 Barrie, Midland and Orillia’s Emerging Aboriginal Middle Class 87

12 Conclusions and Recommendations 89 12.1 Government mandate, funding and coordination 90 12.2 Urban migration, service delivery and agency coordination 93 12.3 Aboriginal children and youth in Barrie / Midland / Orillia: education and employment 98 12.4 Aboriginal women in Barrie, Midland and Orillia 102 12.5 Racism 104 12.6 Health access 105

References 107

Research Instruments 109 List of Tables

Table 1a Research priorities of the Task Force Table 2a Sample of respondents per research method Table 2b Sample of four focus group respondents Table 2c Plenary sessions Table 3a Gender profile Table 3b Education levels across gender in Barrie and Midland Table 3c Age of participants Table 3d Length of stay in community Table 3e Rent or own Table3f Frequency of visits to community of origin Table 3g Rating of overall health Table 3h Preference of respondents to accessing Aboriginal health care service Table 4a Are there differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations? Table 5a First Nations ethnicity Table 5b Language proficiency Table 5c Annual income and participation in Aboriginal culture Table 5d Annual income and ability to speak an Aboriginal language Table 6a School attendance Table 6b Challenges facing urban Aboriginal youth in Barrie / Midland / Orillia by age Table 7a Income figures for Barrie and Midland Table 7b Significant statistical findings based on income Table 8a Perceptions of racism Table 8b Racism from non-Aboriginal people based on annual household income Table 9a Overall rating of health Table 9b Overall rating of health by age Table 9c Awareness of Aboriginal health services in the community Table 9e Accessing a traditional healer in the last year by income List of figures

Figure 3a Level of education Figure 3b Reasons for visits to community of origin Figure 5a Breakdown of Aboriginal population Figure 5b First Nations ethnicity Figure 5c Usage of Aboriginal languages Figure 6a What is your level of education? Figure 7a Total family income Figure 8a Where racism is experienced in Barrie / Midland / Orillia Figure 9a Health issues in Barrie / Midland / Orillia Figure 9d Where people access health needs

10 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report preface letter of transmittal

The Joint Steering Committee of the Urban Aboriginal Task Force (UATF) is pleased to present the Barrie /Midland / Orillia Report of the UATF Barrie / Midland / Orillia community research project to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, the Board of Directors of the Ontario Native Women’s Association, the Board of Directors of the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association, the partner Ministries, and the Sudbury Aboriginal community. In early 2003 the Urban Aboriginal Task Force (UATF) was established with the aim exploring the issues facing the urban Aboriginal community in the province of Ontario. The idea was conceived of by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres as a way to follow up on the work done by the original Task Force on the Needs of Native People in an Urban Setting, in 1981. While originally six community research sites were sought, the UATF settled on a final five: Sudbury, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Barrie / Midland / Orillia, and Kenora. Through ups and downs the UATF has persevered in seeking to explore policy questions from a grassroots, community-based perspective. The Urban Aboriginal Task Force would like first and foremost to -ex press its gratitude to all the community members who participated in the research and provided us with their input, insight and experience. Without you there would be no way of pushing the policy agenda forward in a constructive way, based on the real needs of the community as you have articulated. The Urban Aboriginal Task Force equally wishes to thank our researchers for conducting the extensive research required for such a comprehensive approach to the subject of Aboriginal people in an urban setting in each of the research sites.

preface 11 The Barrie /Midland / Orillia Report is intended to provide support for the development of a strategic approach to resource allocations to address the needs of urban Aboriginal people. The Barrie /Midland / Orillia Report is also intended as a tool for communities, government and other agencies to advance a renewed policy agenda based on a rigourous, community- based understanding of the effects and implications of current policy approaches and legislative frameworks. The Task Force believes this Report sheds new light on the on-going struggles and critical new developments taking place in urban Aboriginal communities across the province. The Barrie /Midland / Orillia Report, along with the four other site reports, will inform the preparation of the Final Report of the Urban Aboriginal Task Force. It is our hope that the Final Report will initiate a new wave of positive, cooperative policy, programme, and legislative change aimed at improving the quality of life for all urban Aboriginal people in Ontario.

Sincerely,

Sylvia Maracle Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres on behalf of The Joint Steering Committee, Urban Aboriginal Task Force

12 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Background

The Urban Aboriginal Task Force Study builds on the original Task Force on the Needs of Native People in an Urban Setting, published in 1981. We believe the original Task Force was the first major research on urban Aboriginal people in the country. Both the original Task Force and the Urban Aboriginal Task Force Study were initiated by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres. The original Task Force was a partnership between the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association, and government focused on the issues affecting urban Aboriginal people. The original Task Force findings and recommendations resulted in the creation of new policies and programmes to address the needs identified. The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) conducted a feasibility study for the Urban Aboriginal Task Force Research Project in January 2003. TheOFIFC funded the study and contracted Don McCaskill to conduct the feasibility study. It culminated in a two day workshop held at the OFIFC office on May 5 and 6, 2003. The feasibility study included a literature review of relevant research pertaining to urban Aboriginal people and interviews with 35 stakeholders from Aboriginal organizations and provincial and federal governments. The OFIFC then approached the original Aboriginal partners—the Ontario Native Women’s Association and the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association—to determine their level of interest in updating the 1981 report and determine the needs of urban Aboriginal people today. The Aboriginal partners identified and engaged a number of provincial and federal government representatives and a new partnership was established to update the research.

introduction 13 1.2 Initial research interests

Virtually all feasibility study participants supported a renewed Urban Aboriginal Task Force Research Project. Participants supported this study for the following reasons: lack of research, large numbers and high vis- ibility of urban Aboriginal people; increasing awareness of challenging social issues and unmet needs of urban Aboriginal people; recognition by Aboriginal people and governments that governments are not effectively addressing these needs; governments’ acknowledgment of jurisdictional wrangling and poor coordination of programs involving urban Aboriginal people; various Aboriginal constituencies interest in addressing urban Aboriginal self-government; and, recognition of Aboriginal people who are both economically successful (i.e. the emerging “middle class” of urban Aboriginal people) and wish to participate in Aboriginal cultural and social activities in the city.

1.3 The Task Force partners

Organizations and government came together as a partnership of Aboriginal organizations and federal, provincial and municipal governments. This group, the Urban Aboriginal Task Force, oversaw the research. The composition of the Task Force included representatives from the following organizations:

Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centers Ontario Native Women’s Association Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs Ministry of Children and Youth Services Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministry of Community and Social Services Statistics Canada Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Office of the Federal Interlocutor Urban Aboriginal Strategy

The Task Force oversaw the entire research project from the planning phase to the final reporting phase. Through a series of meetings in 2005-2006, the UATF chose five research sites; Sudbury, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Barrie / Midland / Orillia (bmo), and Kenora. The Task Force

14 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Table 1a Research priorities of the Task Force

Research topics for all sites Research considerations that span topics

Racism Culture and identity

Homelessness and housing Gaps and delivery of services

Poverty Elders and long term care

Youth Women and children

Women Access to resources

Health Assessment of Aboriginal services

also determined the province-wide research priorities and considerations noted in Table 1A. The Task Force chose a community based research approach and created Community Advisory Committees (CAC) (or, in case of Sudbury, Community Research Committee or crc) in each of the research sites. The Task Force sought funding, hired the Research Director and Associate, and decided on the research tools for each site including: key informant interviews, focus groups, plenary sessions, literature reviews, life histories, and a community–wide survey. Once the local CACs were in place the Task Force met periodically, allowing the CACs to guide the research priorities and directions in a locally appropriate manner. The firm Mukwa Associates was contracted to undertake the research for all sites. Mukwa Associates reported regularly to the Task Force and the Barrie / Midland / Orillia CAC throughout the research. The contract for the research set out in its terms and conditions that the material produced as a result of the research agreement is the prop- erty of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.

introduction 15 Chapter 2 Methodology: A Community Based Approach To Research

2.1 The Barrie / Midland / Orillia Community Advisory Committee

The OFIFC invited representatives from Aboriginal agencies to an initial meeting to learn about the UATF and Barrie / Midland / Orillia’s inclusion as a research site. A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed at an initial meeting on April 28, 2006. TheCAC members included:

Donna McDonald, Barrie Area Native Friendship Centre Carole Baker,Georgian College Mary Ann Fifield, Anishnabe Education and Training Circle/ Georgian College Compton Kahn, Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Judy Adams, Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration, Culture, Tourism, Sports, and Recreation Leslie McGregor, Noojimawin Health Authority Jenn Leonard, Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association Tibby Johnson, Simcoe County Services — Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Cam Agowissa, Child and Family Services, Simcoe County Brenda Jackson, Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle Denise Mathew, Ontario Native Women’s Association Dave Martin, Barrie Native Friendship Centre (BNFC) Greg Mcgregor, Local Health Integration Network Steve Beaupre, Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre Cindy Hare, Georgian College Suzy Kies, Native Mother’s Initiatives For Academic Success, BNFC

16 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Yvon Lamarshe, Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre Brian George, Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Peggy Monague, Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative

The CAC met 7 times from April to May, 2007 for the following tasks: to determine the study design based on local research priorities; to develop research methods by creating and vetting research tools; to provide strategic sampling for research participants; to provide ongoing feedback and amendments to the emergent design of the research; to give feedback on the final report; and to assist in bringing the findings back to the Barrie / Midland / Orillia community.

2.2 CAC local research priorities

The Barrie / Midland / Orillia CAC began by reviewing the research priorities of the Urban Aboriginal Task Force Research Study and discussing previous community planning initiatives undertaken in the local urban Aboriginal community. TheCAC developed the following research priorities:

• education; • Aboriginal culture and identity in Barrie / Midland / Orillia; • women; • housing issues; • racism; • health; • youth issues; • gaps in social services; • political representation of Barrie / Midland / Orillia people; • relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations; • relations with government; and, • middle class / economically successful residents.

Next, the CAC collaborated regularly to hire a Research Site Coordinator, Jaime Mishibinijima, and a Research Assistant, Angela Knowlton, to ap- prove research tools, select and provide access to a diversity of community respondents, give feedback on the Final Report and communicate the findings to the community. The CAC members’ direction has been critical to the success of this research project.

Methodology: A Community Based Approach To Research 17 2.3 Data gathering

Applying emergent-design research, the data collection included methods recommended by the Task Force representatives: key informant in- terviewing, life histories, focus groups, plenary sessions, and a community survey. Community researchers conducted research from June 2006 until October 2006; quantitative data was gathered through the community survey, and qualitative data through interviews, focus groups, plenary sessions and life histories. The study included a total of 288 respondents, of which there were 123 community surveys, 32 focus group participants, 50 plenary session participants, 6 life histories and 77 key informant interviews. The number of respondents varies by method and question, based on how many people participated in any given method. All respondents always had the choice to not answer any question on any guide or in any group setting. A list of the research instruments developed for the Barrie / Midland / Orillia study is included in the appendices of this Table 2A Sample of respondents report (research instruments per research method are available upon request). An overview of the research meth- Method/quantity Total respondents ods is described in subsequent Key informant interviews 77 sections of this report. Life history 6 All of the Barrie / Midland / Orillia UATF research partici- Focus groups 32 pants were Aboriginal. This Plenary sessions 50 sampling was intentional, as Community survey 123 the research sought Aboriginal Total 288 participants to speak about their experiences living in • 123 participants (43%) participated Barrie / Midland / Orillia. The rein the quantitative research search methods and the num- • 164 (57%) participated in the ber of participants are shown qualitative research in Table 2a.

2.4 Key respondent interviews Researchers developed the interview guides based on initial discussion with the Barrie / Midland / Orillia CAC, and the CAC and the Urban Aboriginal Task Force then approved them. There were four main in-

18 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report terview guides for three groups of respondents: the Executive Directors of Aboriginal agencies, Aboriginal agency staff (staff interview guides were identical to the Executive Director guides, but the first 11 questions were omitted), and community members and youth. The Executive Director interview guide was the main template used to capture the full breadth of questions, and included 141 questions that were specific to the organization and clients, and also general to the Executive Director. The staff interview guide contained 130 questions that also focused on the organization, the client base and personal information relating to the respondent. The community member interview guides had fewer questions (86), which focused on a variety of issues including, but not limited to, culture and identity, demographics and community involvement. The youth interview guides contained the least amount of questions (33) and focused on a variety of questions around education, culture and identity, and programs and services for youth. The interview guides were structured, in that there was a series of set questions for participants to answer. The interview guides contained a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions. The structured nature of the interview guide and the question format did not prevent respondents from speaking outside of the question. Most commonly, research participants provided examples and stories to complement and expand their responses. Interviews were completed predominantly in individual settings. Interviewees were recommended by the CAC or chosen by the researchers based on snowball sampling and personal contacts. Every effort was made to be as inclusive as possible in the research sample. Ethical research guidelines were developed and followed for the key informant interviews. These guidelines relate to a guarantee of confidentiality and anonymity for the research participants. In every instance interview respondents read an information letter and completed a consent form. Key informant interview participants were free to withdraw their consent at any time in the research process. A copy of the Research Description and Consent Form is available upon request. Interview analysis was based upon emerging themes. The researcher coded interviews using a coding manual that was vetted by the Research Director and Research Associate. Where applicable, researchers analyzed interview questions for frequencies and percentages of responses as well as cross tabulations among the variables of gender, income, age and marital status.

Methodology: A Community Based Approach To Research 19 2.5 Life histories

The life history component of the qualitative research provided the most in-depth information concerning the participants’ experiences as urban Aboriginal residents in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. The researchers are particularly grateful to these participants, who generously shared their time and their stories, which were at times difficult for them to tell. The UATF offered a $150 honorarium to life history participants to recognize their contributions. The life history guide was developed by the researchers: the CAC approved the guide and suggested participants. The life history guide was unstructured, using only general topics for the respondents to speak to. The unstructured nature of the life histories made each one distinct, with respondents determining the foci and emphasis placed on his or her story. Ethical research guidelines were developed and followed for life history respondents. These guidelines relate to the research participants’ confidentiality. Anonymity was not guaranteed, because of the detailed nature of the information about the individual's life, however, life history participants are not named in this report. In every instance interview respondents were asked to read an information letter and complete a consent form, making explicit to the participant that anonymity was not guaranteed. The consent form also sought participants’ permission to audio-tape the sessions. Withdrawal of consent was permitted at any time in the research process. One respondent withdrew consent, and the life history was withdrawn from the research data. Life history data was not analyzed, but appears interspersed throughout this report as quotations that shed light on issues expressed in the other qualitative and quantitative data.

2.6 Focus groups

The main features of focus groups are that they: have fewer than 10 participants; use a non-structured approach, are facilitated with several broad questions; and last for one to several hours. One of the focus groups (children and education) had a larger than typical number of people. The focus group took place during an event for parents held

20 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre. As discussions began, more parents began to participate in the small group. What began as a group of 8 focus group participants quickly grew to 18 people. Table 2b below shows the sample of respondents for focus group sessions of the Barrie / Midland / Orillia UATF research project.

Table 2B Sample of four focus group respondents

Topics No. of Participant type Total no. of sessions participants

Women’s issues (Orillia) 1 women 7 Women's issues (Midland) 1 women 6 Children and education (Barrie) 1 parents and family 18 members

2.7 Plenary sessions

Two plenary sessions were held and were well-attended by people across the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area. The first session was held on gaps in service delivery, and the second was held on education. Both of these sessions provided an opportunity for community members, who may not gather frequently, to share the ideas and concerns of their organizations in a constructive and forward-looking manner.

Table 2C Plenary sessions

Topics No. of Participant type Total no. of sessions participants

Service delivery (Barrie) 1 organizations/agency 26 staff and Executive Directors Education (Midland) 1 organizations/agency 21 staff and Executive Directors

Methodology: A Community Based Approach To Research 21 2.8 Community survey

Researchers developed the survey, with CAC approval. Researchers conducted a pilot study with four participants. The researchers revised the survey for clarity and content, based on the pre-tests and additional CAC vetting. The 9-page final survey consisted of a mix of 61 closed-ended and open-ended questions. The closed-ended questions presented yes/no or forced-option choices. Open-ended questions allowed for responses without prompts. Respondents received $2.00 coffee certificates for participating. Researchers approached CAC member agencies, other Aboriginal community organizations and attended several community events (i.e., local powwows, annual general meetings) as survey sites. Researchers distrib- uted surveys and, in most cases, were available to clarify any questions. Researchers analyzed the community survey data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software designed for quantitative data analysis. Questions were run for frequencies and percentages of responses as well as cross-tabulations.

2.9 Looking back, looking forward

This study of Aboriginal people in urban centres of Ontario was initially formed to update the 1981 Urban Aboriginal Task Force. The data for the following chapters comes largely from the qualitative and quantitative Barrie / Midland / Orillia UATF research described above. But between 1981 and 2006 there have been other localized research studies with Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia and the research findings from the other studies are utilized in this report. The following chapters of this report explore the topics identified by the CAC, using the methods described above. We begin by placing the UATF study in the context of Barrie / Midland / Orillia and describing the population through demographic data provided by research respondents. It is important to note that the following chapter on demographics and mobility patterns provides a snapshot of urban Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia during a six month period in 2006.

22 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Chapter 3

Demographics and Mobility Patterns

3.1 Placing the study in its urban context

Barrie / Midland / Orillia is a unique research site. The three communities are spread across a 40 kilometre radius. There are Friendship Centres in two of the three sites (Midland and Barrie). Orillia only has one Aboriginal service provider (Orillia Native Women’s Group). This organization is mandated to provide service to women and children, but often extends its services to provide for all community members because there is a lack of services in the community. The number of Casino Rama employees is significant in Barrie / Midland / Orillia, especially in Orillia. Casino Rama employs many Aboriginal people; however there seems to be low retention rates, as well as large amounts of migration to and from Orillia and communities of origin. Past attempts have been made to create a more coordinated effort among the three communities for Aboriginal service provision, but such efforts have been minimal in recent years.

3.1.1 The City of Barrie Barrie is situated 90 km north of Toronto, and is the largest urban community in the UATF Barrie / Midland / Orillia research site. It is pro- jected that Barrie will have a population growth of between 60-70% over the next ten years. The current population consists of 131,000 people (Statistics Canada 2006). Barrie is home to Georgian College, which has a variety of technical and engineering programs, and about 2000 graduat- ing students each year. The college has two Aboriginal programs: Shki- Miikan Foundation, which is an academic program developed in partnership with the Anishnabe Education and Training Circle designed to enhance Aboriginal students’ sense of cultural identity, develop a solid academic base, assess education/career options and develop self-management skills; and the Native Community and Social Development pro-

Demographics and Mobility Patterns 23 gram, which focuses on the planning, development, evaluation and administration of social/health care services in the Aboriginal community. Georgian College also has a student services program aimed specifically at Aboriginal students.

3.1.2 The City of Orillia Orillia is on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. The population of Orillia is 29,121 (2001 Census). Orillia is often considered a retirement community because the high number of seniors who live there. The largest employer is Casino Rama, located on the Mnjikaning First Nation. The Orillia campus of Georgian College offers many programs; Orillia also has a satellite campus of Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Post-secondary opportunities are also available in the City of Orillia through partnerships with Laurentian University and York University. A variety of programs are offered in these institutions. The OPP headquarters is also situated in Orillia along with a training centre and museum.

3.1.3 The Town of Midland The Town of Midland was first settled in the 1830’s and 1840’s. Midland and the surrounding area also has a large Métis population who have historical roots with the trading routes provided by the waterways. Lumber milling and industrial growth brought many newcomers to Midland, and by the 1900’s the town’s economy expanded to include an iron foundry, grain trade and ship building. Today, a diversity of business and industry exist in this town, and in the summer months the population expands significantly to include thousands of tourists. The Georgian College Business and Career Services in Midland is a regional campus of Georgian College, providing many programs in animal care, health sciences, and manufacturing.

3.1.4 Surrounding Aboriginal population Three First Nation communities surround the communities of Barrie, Midland and Orillia, including: the Chippewas of Beausoleil (Christian Island), the Chippewas of Georgina Island and the Chippewas of Rama Mnjikaning. These three First Nations feed the urban Aboriginal population and there are important connections between the urban and First Nation communities. Casino Rama is situated on Mnjikaning First Nation and employs many Aboriginal people. Many students from Beausoleil

24 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report First Nation and Georgina Island First Nation attend high school in Barrie, Midland and Orillia and board in the homes of local families or relatives.

3.1.5 Demographics In sections 3.2 to 3.9, UATF survey participant responses regarding gender, education, age, income levels, length of residency, housing, health and visits to their community of origin are discussed. The demographic profile below portrays Aboriginal people of Barrie, Midland and Orillia, and includes demographic data from the 2001 Census undertaken by Statistics Canada. However, the data prepared for the UATF excludes statistics for the City of Orillia because Orillia was added as a research site after the report on the population statistics was prepared for the project. It is important to note that over the course of this research Census Aboriginal population figures have been widely disputed as under-representative of the true number of Aboriginal people in cities in Ontario. There are many possible reasons for this under-representation of Aboriginal people in the Census, including homelessness, lack of participation in the Census, or not being in the city at the time of the Census. Given these limitations, the 2001 Census data, when combined with the UATF community survey data, can provide a basic demographic snapshot of the urban Aboriginal people in Barrie, Midland and Orillia.

3.2 Gender

The gender profile of Barrie / Midland / Orillia UATF respondents is shown in Table 3a.

Table 3a Gender profile (UATF qualitative and survey data)

Respondent/method Total Percentage Male 77 41% Female 112 59%

• 59% of all research respondents were female • 41% of all research respondents were male • Qualitative data had more female respondents (64%) than the quantitative data (57%)

Demographics and Mobility Patterns 25 3.3 Education

In Barrie and Midland in 2001, 44% of Aboriginal men and women aged 25 to 34 years had completed post-secondary education. (Statistics Canada, 2001). Education levels are important to labour force participation, and an education is seen as a way out of poverty for many Aboriginal people. The data presented below draws from two sources: Statistics Canada 2001 Census data, and UATF qualitative and quantitative data. This data portrays increasing but still low education levels for urban Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland.

Table 3b Education levels across gender in Barrie and Midland

Population 25 years and over by highest level of schooling, Barrie and Midland, 2001 Census

Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal Men Women Men Women Percent Less than high school graduation 32 38 27 27 certificate High school graduation certificate only 15 14 14 17 Some postsecondary education* 9 14 10 10 Trades, college or university certificate 42 30 38 35 or diploma University degree 3 4 11 11

* Some postsecondary education refers to those persons who pursued their studies past high school but who did not get a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Canada, 2001

The 2001 Statistics Canada data (Table 3b) shows extremes within the levels of education for urban Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland. In 2001, a large proportion of Aboriginal men (42%) had trades, college or university certificates or diplomas compared to Aboriginal women (30%). Aboriginal women with less than high school graduation represented the second highest percentage (38%), followed by Aboriginal men with less than high school graduation (32%). The data shows that almost one half of Aboriginal men (45%) and less than one third of Aboriginal women (34%)

26 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report figure 3a Level of education (UATF community survey)

• 15% of respondents had less than high school education; 18 respondents Less than high school • 28% of respondents had high school 15% high school; 28 respondents Post-secondary • 28% of respondents had some complete 34% post-secondary education; 34 respondents High school complete • 34% of respondents had completed 23% post-secondary education; 41 respondents Some post-secondary 28%

aged 25-34 had completed post-secondary education in 2001. On average, 40% of Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland had completed college or university. An important characteristic of Aboriginal people attain- ing post-secondary education is that they tend to come to universities and colleges as mature students as opposed to going straight from high school. Thus, attending post-secondary institutions implies some special challenges for many urban Aboriginal people as they juggle family com- mitments, employment and going to school. The UATF community survey reveals that 23% of respondents reported high school completion and 34% of the sample had graduated from post- secondary education as illustrated in Figure 3a. Statistics Canada Census data reports that Aboriginal youth aged 15 to 24 have lower school attendance rates than their non-Aboriginal counterparts, at 42% and 58% respectively (2006). This statistic is echoed again in the Statistics Canada data revealing that 35% of Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland have less than a high school certificate (25 years and over). The disparity in attendance rates combined with the graduation statistics of the UATF demonstrates the need for additional educational options and supports for urban Aboriginal youth to complete high school, graduate and potentially move to other educational options or employment.

Demographics and Mobility Patterns 27 3.4 Age

Participants in the Barrie/Midland UATF research were required to be 18 years and older, for consent purposes. The qualitative and quantitative data did not use the same age categories, thus the data cannot be merged. The research respondents’ age range for the qualitative and quantitative data is shown below, in Table 3c.

Table 3c Age of participants (Quantitative data)

Range < 24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 > 60 Percentage 22% 20% 24% 25% 6% 3% Frequency 27 25 29 30 7 4

The 2001 Census data shows that Aboriginal people made up about 3% of the total population in Barrie and Midland. It also reported that the Aboriginal population living in Barrie and Midland is younger than the non-Aboriginal population. In 2001, over 4 in 10 (43%) Aboriginal people were under the age of 25 years. Twenty-seven percent of Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland were under the age of 15. Only 5% of Aboriginal people were 65 years and over, compared to 12% of the non-Aboriginal population (Statistics Canada, 2006). UATF study findings cannot address the large and growing cohort of urban Aboriginal children and youth because they were not participants in this study, for research consent purposes. Despite this limitation, recommendations, programs and services must consider the implications of the predominantly young Aboriginal population. The challenge is to work with Aboriginal youth to develop educational and employment initiatives that go beyond those that are currently available to them.

3.5 Length of residency in Barrie / Midland / Orillia for Aboriginal people

Many Aboriginal people are migrating to Barrie, Midland and Orillia. According to Statistics Canada data from the 2001 Census there were 4900 Aboriginal people living in Barrie and Midland. However, this data also states that Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland have

28 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report higher mobility than the non- Table 3d Length of stay in the Aboriginal population. 44% of community the Aboriginal population had lived at the same address five Time Frequency Percent years ago, compared to 49% < 1 year 12 10 of the non-Aboriginal popula- 1 to 5 years 40 35 tion. From 1996 to 2001, 26% of 5 to 20 years 50 44 the Aboriginal population had > 20 years 13 11 moved at least once within Barrie and Midland, and 30% had moved from another com- • The highest percentage of munity to Barrie and Midland. respondents (44%) have lived in Some of this may be due to the Barrie / Midland / Orillia for 5 to students attending Georgian 20 years College. Employment at Casino • 35% of respondents have lived in Rama in Orillia is also a factor in Barrie / Midland / Orillia for 1 to 5 the area’s fluctuations in popu- years lation. Whatever the factors • 10% of respondents have lived in may be, it is clear that a portion Barrie / Midland / Orillia for less of the urban Aboriginal popu- than one year lation in Barrie, Midland and Orillia tends to be mobile. This section explores residency from three distinct but related per- spectives: participants’ responses to how long they have been living in Barrie, Midland and Orillia; respondents’ housing arrangements in the cities; and residential mobility, or how often respondents have moved within the three communities. The section begins with Table 3d, which shows the number of years that community survey residents have lived in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. The Barrie / Midland / Orillia urban Aboriginal community is a mix of newer and longer term residents. A large percentage of community survey respondents (35%) have lived in Barrie / Midland / Orillia for 1 to 5 years. 65% of respondents are long-term residents who have lived in Barrie / Midland / Orillia between 5 and 20 years. This large percentage of longer term residents fits within the range provided by the Statistics Canada data. Thus there are significant percentages of the urban Aboriginal population that are both stable urban residents as well as mobile.

Demographics and Mobility Patterns 29 3.6 Housing

Rates of home ownership and Table 3e Rent or own (UATF rental are significant since they survey) help to identity basic issues and needs in the community, par- Frequency Percent ticularly as it relates to housing. Own 40 37 In Barrie, about 53% of Aboriginal Rent 69 63 households owned their homes in 2001, compared to 77% of non- Aboriginal households. Another factor to consider when examining housing is the need for major repairs. In 2001, 9% of Aboriginal households were living in homes requiring major repairs, compared to 6% of non-Aboriginal households. Table 3e shows participant responses to the rent/ownership question from the UATF community survey. Sixty-three percent of Barrie / Midland / Orillia UATF survey respondents live in rental accom- modations. This finding may be indicative of Aboriginal respondents’ income levels, transience, seasonal/casual type of employment, access to a down payment, temporary residence needs (for school or health of a family member), housing availability, racism, eligibility criteria for loans and homes, and conditions of homes available for purchase. The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada INAC( ) has housing programs available for First Nations residents living on-reserve, but not for Aboriginal people living in urban centres. In the UATF Barrie / Midland / Orillia qualitative research, participants consistently raised the following needs and issues: the need for safe, affordable housing for Aboriginal people with low incomes; lack of subsidized housing; a shortage of housing for single parents; lack of transportation to access housing; and racism.

Housing is an issue for everyone here. When I first came to Orillia, there was no housing. Then I came here (Barrie) and housing is too expensive. (key informant)

Discrimination, people are not wanted if they are Aboriginal. Also, there is a lack of affordable housing. (key informant)

30 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report 3.7 Visits to community of origin

The community survey in- Table 3f Frequency of visits dicates that the majority to community of origin (UATF of Barrie / Midland / Orillia survey) Aboriginal community members (65%) visit their First Nation Visits/year Frequency Percent community of origin less than 0 40 36 4 times per year. This indicates 1 13 12 that Barrie / Midland / Orillia 2 10 9 Aboriginal community mem- 3 9 8 bers generally live and stay in 4 16 14 Barrie / Midland / Orillia and visit 5 1 1 their First Nation or community 6 6 5 of origin infrequently. This low 8 1 1 rate of visiting communities of origin is particularly surpris- 10 3 3 ing given the fact that there are 12 6 5 three First Nation communities 13 1 1 located very close to the three 20 1 1 cities. Some key respondents 24 1 1 suggested that returning to the 25 1 1 reserve was a perceived as "step- 52 3 3 ping backward" as a number of Aboriginal people left the First Nation community for nega- • 36% of respondents do not visit tive reasons, such as domestic their community of origin at all violence. They stated that many • 36% visit their community of Aboriginal people had made a origin 4 times per year or more conscious choice to shift their • 12% visit their community or focus from the reserve to the city origin once per year on a permanent basis. Table 3f demonstrates the frequency of visits of urban Aboriginal people living in Barrie / Midland / Orillia area to their First Nation or community of origin. Respondents who do visit their First Nation or community of origin reported a variety of reasons for doing so, as shown in Figure 3b on the following page.

Demographics and Mobility Patterns 31 figure 3b Reasons for visits to community of origin

Cultural reasons Holidays 17% 22% Funerals and weddings 11% Employment 5%

Family and friends 45%

Visiting family and friends, holidays and cultural reasons are the most common reasons for UATF Barrie / Midland / Orillia research participants to visit their communities of origin. As one key informant put it:

All of the girls who work here all go home routinely to visit family and friends. It's important to most Natives. (key informant)

The UATF data shows that there is a significant segment of the Aboriginal population in Barrie / Midland / Orillia that returns to their home community anywhere between four and fifty-two times a year. There is equally a larger segment of stable, long-term residents who infrequently, if ever, return to their community of origin for visits. This means that there is a relatively stable population of Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia — a characteristic that has important implications for community involvement and positive experiences for Aboriginal people in Barrie, Midland and Orillia.

3.8 Health

Community survey participants were asked to rate their overall health and where they go to meet their health needs, as shown in Tables 3g and 3h. Barrie / Midland / Orillia does not have an Aboriginal-specific health care centre like other UATF sites (for example, the Wabano Centre for

32 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Table 3g Rating of overall Table 3h Preference of health respondents to access Aboriginal health care services Rating Frequency Percent Very good to 65 54 excellent Frequency Percent Good 40 33 Yes 59 62 Poor to fair 16 13 No 36 38

Aboriginal Health in Ottawa); however, some health programs are offered through Aboriginal agencies in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area. Respondents were asked whether they prefer accessing health services from Aboriginal agencies, as shown below in Table 3h, and thus, the clear majority of respondents prefer to access an Aboriginal health service provider. Access remains an issue however since most people obtain health services through mainstream agencies and institutions. This chapter has presented findings from a variety of data sources to offer a demographic snapshot of urban Aboriginal people living in Barrie, Midland and Orillia: the UATF community survey, key informant interviews, plenary sessions and focus groups; and Statistics Canada Census 2001 data. The following chapters offer a more in-depth exploration of how urban Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia see themselves in relation to service delivery, youth issues, culture and identity, income levels and rates of poverty, racism, health, the emerging middle class and women’s issues.

Demographics and Mobility Patterns 33 Chapter 4

service delivery to aboriginal people

4.1 Background of Aboriginal social services

One of the most important findings of the UATF study is that the Aboriginal communities of Barrie, Midland and Orillia have a combina- tion of both short-term and long-term residents and therefore the service delivery requirements will vary for the different segments of the population because these groups may have different needs. The research found that urban Aboriginal people are generally content living in these communities, although overall significant Aboriginal-specific programming is lacking. Respondents reported that, in the past, leadership and coordination amongst the Aboriginal community organizations in the area had been strong, led by the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC). In recent years, however, the important role of BANAC as a leader and facilitator of community service provision has lessened, and Aboriginal community organizations have suffered.BANAC now provides services and programs, and it was reported that organizations often compete against each other for programs rather than functioning in a collaborative and strategic manner. Barrie / Midland / Orillia is characterized by a bipolar distribution of residents. That is, there is significant short-term population while at the same time, a large number of long-term residents. There are a number of First Nation communities in close proximity to Barrie / Midland / Orillia whose members also access services in the urban areas. These are some of the factors that make the provision of social services a challenge. Respondents reported that often their initial experiences in the community were positive and that systems have been in place to deal more or less with their issues. Aboriginal newcomers often face immediate

34 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report major struggles of adjustment to the city regarding such basic needs as housing, orientation, transportation, income and social networks. They sometimes possess little awareness of urban life and lack information about the different services available to them. Orillia has a particularly transient population because of Casino Rama, the Super Jail in nearby Penetanguishene and the Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre. There is no place for people who are transitioning from addictions treatment or jail into the mainstream. Because of the transient nature of the community, emergency services and life skills assistance that are Aboriginal-specific are needed. Many Aboriginal organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia are not accessible online because they do not have web sites, making it difficult for newcomers to become “connected” to what is going on at the community organizations. Many of the people interviewed had little awareness of the different opportunities available to connect with their cultures, especially those who have not required such services as employment assistance or health and social services. The study also found that Aboriginal individuals need to have their long-term integration needs addressed in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Since there is a propensity for Aboriginal people to become long-term residents of the Barrie / Midland / Orillia communities, services must address their specific needs, particularly in the areas of education, training, employment, Aboriginal cultural programs, affordable housing, access to health services (including acquisition of a family doctor and access to traditional healers), and recreational programs. Other specific needs of this population include assistance with the development of stable, healthy relationships and assistance in coping with racism. There are three phases of urban life for Aboriginal people:

1. immediate transition; 2. short-term adjustment; and 3. long-term integration.

Many agencies, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, currently exist to meet many of these needs; however, significant changes to the services that are currently available are required in order to effectively address the needs of urban Aboriginal people throughout these different phases. The kind of seamless, coordinated and integrated continuum of care articulated as a need by participants does not currently exist.

service delivery to aboriginal people 35 Services are not effectively coordinated, and consequently, there are many gaps which sometimes leads to individuals falling between the cracks. Umbrella organizations like BANAC could conceivably lead a coordinated and integrated continuum of care for Aboriginal people living in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area.

4.2 Evolution of Aboriginal agencies

4.2.1 The City of Barrie The Barrie Native Friendship Centre BNFC( ) is the largest urban Aboriginal organization in Barrie. It began in 1987 and provides a variety of social and educational programs, as well as social and cultural activities. Many UATF research participants reported positive experiences with the BNFC and consider it the main “hub” of urban Aboriginal life in Barrie. As one life history respondent said:

I like Barrie out of all the places I’ve lived. There is more to offer here, to keep you in touch with who you are. You’ve got more access to a lot of Native programs here, no matter what your age is. Most of my experiences have been good here. I feel there is lots more help here in Barrie. You have advocates, food stuff, court stuff, children’s aid, etc. (key informant interview)

As another life history respondent said:

Barrie has been a great place for me. I’ve learned quite a bit about who I am and what I want to be. It’s taught me a lot about leadership too. I am very grateful for the teachings I’ve learned here. (life history)

The other major Aboriginal organization in Barrie is the the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC). It is a coordinating organization for Aboriginal organizations, programs and activities in the Simcoe County area. It plays an important harmonization, programming and advocacy role for Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Other Aboriginal agencies and organizations in Barrie include Maam Wiim Win Native Homes Corporation/SUN Housing, and Endad Native Homes Inc.

36 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report 4.2.2 The City of Orillia While there are a large number of short-term and long-term urban Aboriginal residents in Orillia, partly due to employment opportunities at Casino Rama, this city has fewer Aboriginal organizations and agencies than Barrie and Midland. Only one organization, the Orillia Native Women’s Group, exists in Orillia. While this group’s main focus is on women and children, the agency serves as the main hub for Aboriginal peer support. Residents interviewed in Orillia were grateful for the services of the ONWG, but stated that there was a great need for additional support. It should also be noted that the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) in Orillia has an Aboriginal worker who deals specifically with Aboriginal cases.

4.2.3 The Town of Midland The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre (GBNFC) began in 1984 and is currently located in a 10,500 square foot facility. The GBNFC has a variety of programming for urban Aboriginal residents in Midland, including drug and alcohol intervention programming; child and family services; life long care; employment and training; and healing and wellness. Other Aboriginal agencies and organizations in Midland include the following:

• Georgian Bay Métis Council; • Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association; • Huronia Family Housing Co-operative Inc.; and • Midland Penetanguishine Urban Native Homes Corporation

Other Aboriginal agencies in Simcoe County include the following:

• Be-Wab-Bon Metis & Aboriginal Centre; and • Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre

There are also a large number of non-Aboriginal agencies that work with Aboriginal people in Simcoe County

4.3 Major challenges in service delivery

Given the significant issues faced by many urban Aboriginal people, service delivery is critical. Much has been written on the lack of coor-

service delivery to aboriginal people 37 dinated urban Aboriginal policy or programming, and unresolved federal, provincial, municipal and First Nation jurisdictional issues which complicate the urban Aboriginal landscape in Canada. UATF research participants who were Aboriginal agency representatives described the challenges experienced by the clients who access their agencies. The following sections discuss some of the major issues facing urban Aboriginal agencies in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

4.3.1 Aboriginal service providers Barrie / Midland / Orillia Aboriginal community members access urban Aboriginal services for many of their needs. Sixty-five percent of community survey respondents reported using Aboriginal agencies and 35% reported they did not. Those who reported not accessing Aboriginal agencies cited the following reasons:

• lack of need: 36% • inaccessible: 21% • lack of awareness: 21% • other: 21%

Lack of accessibility, awareness and need for services indicates that the majority of respondents who reported not accessing Aboriginal agencies may not understand the types of services available to them, may not feel comfortable in accessing the programs, or may not require the services. A centralized online website, and/or a coordinating organization that can inform people about what types of services are available to urban Aboriginal people, may help to mitigate some of the barriers that these residents may be experiencing. However, it should not be assumed that all Aboriginal people, particularly those who are poor, have access to com- puters or the necessary skills to use them. It will therefore be im- Table 4a Are there differences portant to establish other reliable between Aboriginal and non- ways of delivering information. Aboriginal organizations In the key informant interviews, UATF research participants spoke Frequency Percent about the differences in service Yes 34 76 delivery between Aboriginal and No 11 24 non-Aboriginal organizations, as shown in Table 4a.

38 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report The majority of respondents felt that there are differences between services provided by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. A number of different responses were provided when key informants were asked the question, “What do you consider the major differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations?” Many suggested that there is an understanding that Aboriginal organizations serve their own people and therefore have a greater vested interest in seeing them prosper. Others stated that there was more understanding of the issues urban Aboriginal people face and more of a commitment to addressing those issues in Aboriginal organizations. Another major difference cited was that Aboriginal organizations are much more accountable to the larger urban Aboriginal community of Barrie / Midland / Orillia than non-Aboriginal organizations. It is important to note that nearly all Aboriginal agencies are governed by a Board of Directors made up of representatives from the local urban Aboriginal community. This closely ties the agencies to the community, and is characterized as an “extra” dimension to their organization’s operations, which requires additional time and effort. As one respondent said:

As an Aboriginal community member I sit on lots of committees and we make major decisions with the advice of the Aboriginal community. We always get feedback. That doesn't happen in mainstream organizations. (key informant interview)

Another significant difference is that Aboriginal agencies provide culturally-based services. That is, they reflect Aboriginal cultures both in the structure and functioning of their organization, as well as in their method of service delivery. For example, Aboriginal organizations often involve Elders and traditional teachings and operate in a non-hierarchical way. In addition, decisions are usually reached by consensus, staff are often given time off to attend traditional Aboriginal ceremonies, and staff often see themselves more as “helpers” who are responsible to the larger urban Aboriginal community, with an emphasis placed on experience and individual characteristics rather than professional qualifications. Another major difference between Aboriginal and mainstream organizations is that the majority of staff in Aboriginal organizations are Aboriginal. Respondents who used Aboriginal agencies spoke of the importance of "seeing themselves" in the staff of the agency and having a

service delivery to aboriginal people 39 sense that the staff "knew where they were coming from," which made them feel more comfortable using the service. Participants were asked if there were gaps in programs and services for Aboriginal people. Sixty-four percent of respondents felt that there were gaps, and 36% did not think there were any gaps. Those who indicated that there were gaps were also asked to specify where the gaps were. These gaps were reported as follows:

• social programs (41%); • funding (30%); • education (7%); • employment (2%); • and, other (20%).

4.3.2 Lack of organizations and agencies in Orillia Of the three cities in the study, respondents from Orillia were the ones who most frequently mentioned a lack of available services and programming for urban Aboriginal people in their city. Despite the high needs of many community members, there is only one agency located in Orillia whose mandate is to serve women and children. As one respondent stated:

The Orillia Native Women’s Association is the only Aboriginal organization in Orillia. There are no addiction counselors, no healthy babies, healthy children’s programs, no supports in the CAS. There is no employment seeking services for Aboriginal people. Overall, Orillia seems to be considerably under serviced compared to other areas like Midland or Barrie. There needs to be a satellite office of Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre or Barrie Native Friendship Centre in Orillia. (key informant interview)

Respondents in Orillia, as well as in the other two communities, spoke repeatedly about the problems of being employed at Casino Rama. Respondents in the UATF study discussed issues that families face when they relocate to Orillia to work at the casino, and either quit or are dis- missed, leaving them essentially stranded in the community. There is no Aboriginal-specific support for these families and individuals to seek al-

40 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report ternative employment and to transition to life in the community. One respondent stated:

Casino Rama offers very little room to advance. Even educated people are not given management positions and are usually put into low paying positions. Non-Native people seem to climb up the ladder easier. (key informant interview)

There are a lot of people leaving their First Nations to work at the Casino. Many people move their whole families to the community, but unfortunately the retention rate is very low and employees are fired easily or quit because of the working conditions. As a result, people get “stuck” in Orillia without any supports. (key informant interview)

These findings were supported by a study of the Aboriginal labour force at Casino Rama.

4.3.3 Housing The issue of housing was discussed in focus groups and plenary sessions. Shelter is a primary need, and Aboriginal people who do not have the secu- rity of stable housing become vulnerable to socio-economic problems, such as poverty and unemployment. Secure housing is a foundation for all other facets of life. Lack of available housing was reiterated, despite the fact that there are Aboriginal-specific housing organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. As a participant in one focus group for women noted:

There are not enough Native housing units in Orillia. There are 20 units, but the waiting lists are long and it is difficult to get on. The housing unit does not promote a sense of unity though. (women's focus group)

Another participant from Midland stated:

There is not enough low cost housing for Natives. Native people face a lot of stereotypes when they try to get rental housing and are considered high risk renters. The Native housing agency that used to be in Midland closed down and now housing is with a mainstream agency. (key informant interview)

service delivery to aboriginal people 41 Finally, as another key informant respondent noted:

Landlords can be racist in Barrie, in their mind, Natives are high risk. (key informant interview)

The lack of stable, affordable housing is a serious problem for many Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

4.3.4 Employment In Midland, the women’s focus group discussed the lack of employment opportunities in the community.

A lot of the jobs available are low-paying, low skilled, minimum wage jobs. People are forced to leave the community to get jobs in Orillia or Barrie. (women's focus group)

Thus, while many Aboriginal people are employed in Barrie , Midland and Orillia, the lack of well-paying jobs available is a serious issue facing Aboriginal people. Key informants suggested that a number of factors contribute to high unemployment rates, particularly low levels of education and training and a lack of awareness of opportunities and thus motivation to aspire to higher paying occupations.

It is difficult to get a good job if your family and friends are in low paying jobs. Aboriginal people are not aware of what's out there. They can only choose what they know. (key informant interview)

4.4 The priorities of government

Both the federal and provincial governments fund programs and services for urban Aboriginal people. For example, the federal government esti- mates it invests approximately $270 million annually, directly or indirectly in urban Aboriginal programming, spread across 22 federal departments and agencies, through 80 programs (Government of Canada, Urban Aboriginal Strategy, 2006). At the same time, it recognizes that there is ongoing jurisdictional confusion among the federal, provincial and municipal levels of governments, numerous program priorities but limited funding capacity,

42 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report and no single federal department with a mandate for urban Aboriginal issues (Government of Canada, Urban Aboriginal Strategy, 2006). This results in, "a complex patchwork of individual programs and initiatives," that is "frustrating Aboriginal organizations, communities, governments and other partners" (Government of Canada, Urban Aboriginal Strategy, 2006). In 1998, the Government of Canada created the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) to work with urban Aboriginal organizations as partners to better address the serious issues facing urban Aboriginal people through a series of pilot projects in 12 cities across Canada. TheUAS funds programs and services relating to: improving the delivery of programs and services; Aboriginal organization capacity building; research; horizontal coordination among federal, provincial, municipal governments and Aboriginal organizations; and advocacy (Anderson-Gill Associated, Urban Aboriginal Strategy Pilot Projects Formative Evaluation: Final Report, 2005). The Government of Canada has recently announced an extension of the UAS for another five years. Similarly, the Ontario government has recognized the need for a new approach to Aboriginal people in the province; an approach that "calls for working together with Aboriginal people to build this relationship and through it build productive partnerships, collaborate on key initiatives and achieve real progress on shared goals" (Government of Ontario, Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs, 2005). The provincial government funds a number of programs for urban Aboriginal people, including: the Akwe:go Urban Aboriginal Children's Program in partnership with OFIFC in 27 communities; six designated Aboriginal Children's Aid Societies; the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy which funds several urban projects including the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program; the Aboriginal Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Child Nutrition Program; the Native Alternative Secondary Schools Program in eight Friendship Centres in Ontario; the Curriculum Review Project; the Urban Multi- Purpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Initiative; the Best Start Program; the Early Years Program; and the CAPC Program. Despite efforts at improvement, respondents in the study indicated that the cooperation shown among agencies at the community level could be significantly improved at the government level. Agency respondents talked about government needing better horizontal coordination across departments and ministries, as well as vertical coordination between levels of government. Both the federal and provincial governments

service delivery to aboriginal people 43 recognize the need for more clear jurisdiction and better coordination of programs and services, and have committed themselves to work toward that goal. "The province will work with the federal government to foster a more constructive and co-operative relationship on Aboriginal matters" (Government of Ontario, 2005, Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs).

4.4.1 The issue of funding The federal and provincial governments both provide significant funding, directly and indirectly, for urban Aboriginal people. The allocation of funding for agencies that deliver social services can take many forms; funding allocations can be geographic/regional, based upon population/ demographics, needs-based, formula driven, proposal-based, and in a few cases, can be core funding. In terms of access to funding potential, the qualitative research revealed that non-Aboriginal agencies have more funders per agency than Aboriginal agencies and more funding comes from other sources, particularly the City of Barrie, the City of Orillia, the Town of Midland, the Trillium Foundation, and the United Way. Executive Directors of Aboriginal organizations identified the major challenge facing their organization as lack of funding. They consistently spoke of the need for core funding, and their view that this challenge is underscored by the way in which government provides programs and services for urban Aboriginal people. Many Aboriginal organizations are limited by the insecurity resulting from a lack of stable, long-term funding. These organizations are often funded on the basis of population or perceived need, and usually on a contract basis, resulting in a situation whereby, as one Executive Director said, "we are always chasing dollars." They mentioned that a great deal of time is spent collecting statistics on numbers of clients served, in addition to writing reports and funding pro- posals and participating in periodic government evaluations. The heavy administrative responsibilities associated with maintaining records and preparing reports was often mentioned as a significant burden for the organizations. Executive Directors also suggested that there needs to be specifically allocated government funds for urban Aboriginal organizations. The instability and inconsistency of funding has resulted in many programs not being offered from one year to another. In Barrie, the loss of funding for youth has resulted in a segment of the youth population having no programming whatsoever.

44 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report 4.5 Coordination among Aboriginal service providers

An important theme raised by the Executive Directors and staff of Aboriginal agencies/service providers is the lack of coordination that exists among Aboriginal organizations. There are a variety of organizations who often serve the same client base, but who have little contact with each other. This can cause a duplication of effort and services. As one agency representative stated:

Contacts are always changing in Indian Country — it is hard to find out who is working where. We need to have a one house directory of services and contacts. This is what BANAC was supposed to do, although that may be due to lack of funding and employees. There is a real feeling of disconnect amongst organizations. (key informant interview)

Another dimension of this issue is the coordination of services and programs between the urban centres and the local First Nations. With three First Nations communities so close to Barrie / Midland / Orillia, it is clear that there is a need for coordination between urban Aboriginal agencies and First Nations. Some urban organizations do have significant contact with First Nations, but there remains a need for greater coordination. Participants from the plenary session on organization service delivery discussed the role of BANAC as having been deflated. Nonetheless, everyone considered it a potentially important tool. As governments are seeking more cost-effective methods of serving the urban Aboriginal population, the lack of coordination amongst agencies themselves is problematic when it comes to finding annual funding. As a plenary session participant commented:

Because funding is based on per capita, it is difficult to provide adequate support based on limited funding base. Participants felt like they were spinning their wheels all the time fighting to find more money while doing their job at the same time. Working more cooperatively and sharing programs and subsequently funding would mean that the limited available funding could be shared. This requires more effort to work with the BANAC model. (service provision plenary session)

Discussions on the value of revitalizing BANAC as an umbrella organization took place during key informant interviews and at the service

service delivery to aboriginal people 45 provision plenary session. At its onset, BANAC was considered a useful means for staff from local Aboriginal organizations to collaborate and share information. Much enthusiasm was expressed towards reinstating BANAC to its original mandate. Many respondents also discussed the lack of coordination between Aboriginal organizations and mainstream agencies that provide services to urban Aboriginal people. There was some feeling that mainstream agencies receive more funding and on a more stable basis. Respondents also expressed a view that non-Aboriginal organizations are not as accountable to the urban Aboriginal community as Aboriginal agencies are and that they do not provide culturally-based program delivery. There is a clear need for increased communication and coordination between Aboriginal and mainstream agencies that serve and work with urban Aboriginal people. It is difficult to generalize regarding service provision in Barrie , Midland / and Orillia, because they are three separate communities with different histories and circumstances. Discussing service provision in Barrie, participants were generally positive about their past and present experiences. However, lack of educational support for Aboriginal youth, both within the Simcoe County Board of Education and in co-curricular and extra-curricular environments, was noted as the main gap in service for Barrie. Many agency staff and Executive Directors also expressed frustration over increasing demands on organizations due to an increasing client base and simultaneous ongoing fiscal restraints. Overall, Barrie community members reported that the systems in place are serving their needs. Many of the comments of the Barrie community members who are not accessing services related to a lack of knowledge and awareness about the programs and services available to them. This is partly a marketing issue, and can be dealt with by more effective use of various communications tools, such as internet and distribution of flyers/pamphlets at the annual powwow, for example. Midland community members made comments similar to community members in Barrie, with overall satisfaction with services being reported for urban Aboriginal residents; however, Midland participants raised concerns around lack of opportunities with respect to employment and education. The transportation system was also discussed as a major barrier for accessing existing services and programming; and the lack of family doctors available is also a barrier — providing disincentive for

46 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report young families to stay in the community. Since the closure of the local Aboriginal housing organization, respondents indicated that the availability of housing has decreased, particularly for single people or couples without children. Orillia community members comments reveal that the urban Aboriginal population is highly under-serviced. Despite the increasing population of Aboriginal people working at Casino Rama, as well as a high incidence of mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, the services are highly inadequate. A single organization, whose mandate is for women and children, is the only outreach centre available to residents. This organization should be commended as taking a real grassroots and caring approach to serve the Aboriginal community of Orillia. Yet it is obvious that demand for services far outstrips their availability in the community. More services and programs must be developed to meet the social, cultural and recreational needs of the Orillia Aboriginal population. It may be appropriate for Casino Rama to play a role in supporting these programs and services as part of their corporate responsibilities. These three communities of Barrie, Midland and Orillia, while sepa- rated by over 40 kilometres, are knit together as part of a larger community. Some respondents suggested that Barrie / Midland / Orillia is a “grey area” in that there is not a large population of Aboriginal people as there is in Toronto, nor does it have a large percentage of Aboriginal people per capita, as in Sudbury or Kenora. As a result, access to program funding is limited. A more coordinated approach to service provision may alleviate some of the challenges that the organizations face and increase the capacity to serve the growing urban Aboriginal population in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia. The next chapters will discuss some of the specific issues of priority for the urban Aboriginal people living in Barrie, Midland and Orillia.

service delivery to aboriginal people 47 Chapter 5

CULTURE AND IDENTITY

5.1 The Challenges of being urban and Aboriginal

A very important finding from the study relates to the importance of maintaining and enhancing Aboriginal cultures and identity to urban Aboriginal individuals. A related finding pertains to the frequent identity confusion that many individuals experience, especially in early life, as a result of many complex factors including the effects of residential school, family dysfunction, and racism. Many respondents reported that they were able to turn their lives around through key influences and experiences in their life including: support from friends, relatives, teachers, mentors, role models and elders; places to go for recreation, social contact and cultural events; connecting with a community; and discovering (or rediscovering) their Aboriginal culture. Many individuals and organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia play a significant role in assisting individuals on their life journey towards personal stability, healthy relationships and cultural awareness. But the research also discovered that there are many people suffering from personal problems with little support from relatives, friends or mentors and who are alienated from the Aboriginal community and their Aboriginal culture (however it is defined). This can lead to confusion regarding Aboriginal identity. In urban centres, maintaining and nurturing identity can be difficult to negotiate. Friendship centres and organizations that provide support services play an important role for urban Aboriginal identity. One life history respondent talked about the importance of traditions and culture in dealing with personal issues:

48 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Since my mom died, I have had to learn how to cope with the loss. An Elder at the Centre helped me to understand how my mother was only gone physically, and her spirit was always there in my heart. When my mom died, I got to the point when I was so lost without her. I stopped and said to myself, “mom is gone, and she wouldn’t want me to drink and hurt myself anymore. I need to do something better for myself and make her proud”. This was a turning point in my life. I think my mom would have been proud of the woman I have become today. (life history)

TheUATF qualitative research found that a significantly high number of urban Aboriginal people have had difficult circumstances in their early life, and that this has an impact on their cultural identities and experiences adjusting in an urban environment. For example, five of the six individuals who participated in the life histories experienced severe family dysfunction in their early lives, as shown by the following statements:

Throughout my childhood, I remember my father suffering from alcoholism. I have very traumatic memories of him physically abusing my mother. At the age of 8, I was sexually abused by my father. (life history)

My mom had seven kids, and we lived in a small one bedroom apartment … We grew up on porridge and bread. My parents were both alcoholics. There was always lots of fighting. At one time we all went into care … we all ended up in one foster home. (life history)

My mother has had three nervous breakdowns … as a result of being abused by her family … My father was an alcoholic … At the age of 14, I left the family home after being in and out of foster homes during my childhood … I was a “little bugger” and got into all sorts of trouble with the law. When I was in school, boys often picked on me, and I would often get revenge on any bullies. (life history)

I was adopted by a middle-class family … Things went down hill for me after learning that I was adopted … I became increasingly destructive in my behaviours, my school life suffered … my feelings about being Native sucked. I was embarrassed. I was ashamed … Without a doubt I've been treated differently. I've been stereotyped. (life history)

CULTURE AND IDENTITY 49 For many Aboriginal people, much of life has been a struggle to overcome serious problems of family dysfunction, identity confusion and racism. However, it should be emphasized that each of the life history participants overcame these challenges and have succeeded in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Along their life paths they were assisted by strong individuals and social service agencies.

The move to Barrie was the best move I ever made. The CAS has been very helpful in helping me deal with my son. I am currently on disability pension because I have several illnesses. My son will also be on a disability pension because of the extent of his learning / behaviour disabilities … He is now in a special needs class … (Name) was the only role model that I had … He taught me to get involved in the community … I have found the CAS and Barrie Native Friendship Centre to be very supportive of me … and I is involved in the Barrie community. (life history)

It was funny because I was living in two different cultures, the Catholic Church and also Native spirituality … Language is something that comes back to me, especially when I am taking the Native language classes at the Friendship Centre … There was an Elder at the Centre who told me what medicines I could pick and what they were good for … The Friendship Centre has been a great in shaping the person I am today. (life history)

I feel I am on the road to recovery, but realize I has some real anxieties about going back to school … (Name) is a real support for me, she has started to introduce me to my culture … I is taking some ‘light’ Ojibway courses at the Friendship Centre, and I find the learning environment effective … When it comes to my own identity, I feel confident and proud of my Native heritage. (life history)

There are also individuals who have successfully adjusted to life in the city. These individuals are often long-term residents who are part of the Aboriginal “emerging middle class” and who are interested in maintaining (or reconnecting) with their culture, but do not participate in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia Aboriginal community. Many do not feel comfortable going to existing Aboriginal organizations because they perceive these organizations as being oriented to social services that they do

50 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report not need to access themselves. They are also concerned about judgments made on them by members of the Aboriginal community because of the way “urban Aboriginal” is defined. The statement below illustrate this problem.

The urban Aboriginal community is defined by the Aboriginal service organizations. We get stuck in this definition of community … How middle class urban Aboriginal people express their success is evaluated in the community such as whether you drive a truck not a BMW. If you drive a BMW you are subject to lateral violence. So middle-class people leave the community and they have lots of options outside the Aboriginal community. (key informant interview)

Jealousy is alive and well and it comes out of low self-esteem. It is self- limiting. We have learned poverty … There needs to be a change in what is acceptable in terms of being Aboriginal … We need to teach people to empower themselves. (key informant interview)

We don't have to be poor to be traditional. We have to start from a place of being prosperous. (key informant interview)

Finding where I fit as a Native is important, feeling part of my culture, since I don’t actively participate in ‘traditional’ things. (key informant interview)

This perception that Friendship Centres and other Aboriginal organizations are geared towards the provision of social services is a key reason why a significant percentage of Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia do not participate in Aboriginal-sponsored events (36% of Barrie / Midland / Orillia survey respondents are not aware of events). Many people who were not raised on-reserve do not feel like they belong in urban Aboriginal organizations/settings, while others find urban Aboriginal life a more comfortable place to assert their identity. As one life history respondent stated:

I feel a sense of belonging with other native people in the city, more so than on the reserve. Things like averting eye contact are weird for me, and on Manitoulin, I felt isolated because I am more outgoing and it throws people off. With urban people on the other hand, I feel more of a sense

CULTURE AND IDENTITY 51 of belonging. There are no preconceived notions about how to act native, and there is more of a general acceptance. (life history)

A growing body of Canadian research is examining urban Aboriginal people and their cultures and identities (see for example, D. Newhouse and E. Peters, eds, Not Strangers in these Parts, 2005). Nonetheless, there is no existing literature on culture and identity issues for urban Aboriginal people in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area. Interview and community survey respondents talked about culture and identity both from their perspec- tives prior to arriving in the urban community, as well as while they are living in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. This section highlights the findings. To begin with, there has been and continues to be, as Krotz notes, ‘a strong, sometimes racist, perception that being Aboriginal and being urban are mutually exclusive’ (Urban Indians: The Strangers in Canada, 1980) . Community member participants who were interviewed spoke of their identity in a variety of ways. Respondents were asked how they identify themselves ethnically. Some respondents provided more than one identity, including a range of legal, cultural and ethnic identities. A number of individuals reported that the Barrie / Midland / Orillia urban Aboriginal community is very diverse. For example, there are a number of people who come from reserves and carry that definition of “Aboriginal” with them. Others are raised in non-Aboriginal foster homes or are adopted and do not relate to a reserve definition of Aboriginal. Others are involved with members of various ethnic groups in the city. There was a sense that urban Aboriginal people need to connect with members of the wider urban community. Thus the definition of “urban Aboriginal” is more diverse than the conventional definition. As one key respondent stated.

We can't use the reserve definition of Aboriginal community in the city. We need to unlearn. We need to build bridges. How do we change the blueprint? (key informant interview)

All survey respondents were asked about which Aboriginal group they fall under (i.e. First Nations, Métis or Inuit). Those who identified as First Nation were also asked to identify which nation they belong to. The responses are shown in Figures 5a and 5b, respectively. The issue of declaring identity is complex. The Indian Act, with its notion of Indian Status and the reserve system, has had an impact

52 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report figure 5a Breakdown of Aboriginal population

Other 4% • most respondents (83%) identified as being First Nation • 13% of respondents identified as being Métis Métis First Nation 13% 83%

on the manner in which Aboriginal people perceive themselves and each other as “authentic.” This has caused significant tension within Aboriginal communities. Several respondents reported struggling with their Aboriginal identity in their youth, often feeling ashamed of being Aboriginal. Through various support mechanisms, most people were able to overcome many of these challenges and become proud of their Aboriginal identity.

figure 5b First Nations ethnicity (UATF survey)

• most First Nations Other respondents (83%) identified 4% as being Anishnawbe • 10% of First Nations respondents identified as being Haundenosaunee Haudenosaunee 10% Anishnawbe • 5% of First Nations Oji-Cree 79% respondents identified as 2% being Cree Cree 5%

CULTURE AND IDENTITY 53 5.2 Cultural identity expression

Identity can be expressed in many ways, including ceremonies and spirituality, language, clothing, seasonal feasts, healing circles, arts and crafts, and music. Elders, Aboriginal languages and social events such as pow wows were frequently mentioned as important ways in which traditional culture is expressed in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. It can also be expressed by using Indian Status cards when shopping (when applicable), or asserting hunting or fishing rights through treaty or Métis land use rights. It can simply be expressed by socializing with other Aboriginal people. Indeed, key respondents suggested that expressing one's cultural identity as an Aboriginal person can take many implicit and explicit forms.

It can be as simple as putting the four colours on a business card, Catholic mass in Ojibway, it can be smudging the building, doing the eagle feather teachings to a group of non-Natives, using culturally-based ways … coming to the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, art, language, pow wows, mannerisms, teachings, external outlook. It's all cultural. It's their worldview. (key informant interview)

We don't make outward displays (of Aboriginal culture). It's expressed more in small ways … it's there if you want to find it … Radio Christian Island is a tool through Native stories, music … interwoven in programs. (key informant interview)

In terms of Aboriginal culture, 74% of the respondents in the community survey indicated that they participated in traditional activities while 26% indicated that they did not. Of those participating, 30% were male and 44% were female. Among the key respondents, 47.5% indicated that traditional culture was important to them, and 53% indicated that it was not important. Learning one's traditional culture was often mentioned as the main vehicle used to guide individuals out of some of their problems and develop a more stable life. One life history participant talked about his introduction into Aboriginal culture:

The powwow was a good opportunity for me to learn the protocol and guidelines of a powwow. And to see traditional things like dancing and songs … the overall ceremony. I’d never been to a powwow before, it was my first. (key informant interview)

54 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report 5.3 Languages spoken

Identity can be expressed through language. However, the use of Aboriginal languages has declined in many communities because most people attended either residential schools where Aboriginal language use was prohibited or English-speaking public schools have slowly lost the use of the language. Many communities are quickly trying to revitalize their traditional languages so they do not become extinct. Eight-four percent of the qualitative research participants indicated that language revitalization is important and only 16% did not feel it was important. The quantitative data indicates that less than half (49%) of the survey participants spoke an Aboriginal language, while 51% did not. Meanwhile, 22% of the language speakers were male, and 27% were female. Table 5b shows the language proficiency of community survey respondents.

Table 5a Language proficiency (UATF survey)

Range Excellent to Good Fair to limited Total very good Male 5 5 15 25 Female 7 3 23 33 Total 12 8 38 58

An important part of retaining language is using it as an everyday part of living. The same survey respondents who indicated they speak their Aboriginal language were asked where they used their language. Figure 5b shows the breakdown of where language is used daily. Where respondents used their language is important. Language has been a way to connect urban Aboriginal people to their identity. The following quotation from a life history participant demonstrates this link between language and identity:

Language is something that comes back to me, especially when I am taking the Native language classes at the centre. I feel that language is important, because it is important to know your heritage. My mom would be glad that I am taking language courses. (life history)

CULTURE AND IDENTITY 55 figure 5c Usage of Aboriginal languages by speakers of Aboriginal languages

• 31% of survey respondents use their language at home, Home • 22% use it in their home 31% community Work • 22% of respondents use their 16% language at traditional gatherings Traditional gatherings • 16% use it at work School 22% • 9% use it at school 9% Home community 22%

It is interesting to note the importance of the network of family and friends in the persistence of Aboriginal languages. Of the community survey respondents, 75% use their language within the context of family and friends — at home, in their home community/community of origin or at traditional gatherings. Questions were also asked about speakers’ degree of fluency, and while a large proportion of survey respondents reported speaking an Aboriginal language, only 34% reported speaking fluently (good to excellent).

5.4 Income and Aboriginal culture

When cross-referenced with income levels, it was found that as Aboriginal residents in Barrie / Midland / Orillia earn more their participation in traditional culture and Aboriginal events generally increases, as shown in Table 5b. This is an important finding because it counters the argument that urban Aboriginal people lose their culture and integrate into mainstream society once they become more economically stable in the city. A number of factors could account for this correlation, for example, access to transportation to travel out of town may be a reason. Another reason may be that those in the upper income brackets have more time and financial resources available to fully participate in cultural activities.

56 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report At the same time, respondents suggested that there is a serious lack of formal cultural organizations in place in Barrie / Midland / Orillia to support their Aboriginal identity. They indicated that it is important to provide cultural programs for middle class urban Aboriginal people who may feel that there are few formal organizational opportunities available for them to express their cultural identity, given that so many Aboriginal organizations are focused on providing social services for individuals experiencing problems. There is a danger that the urban Aboriginal middle class will be lost to the Aboriginal community without the development of programs and facilities to meet their cultural needs.

Table 5b Annual income and participation in Aboriginal culture

Participation in Aboriginal culture

Yes No Less than $2000 60% 40% $20,000 to $40,000 69% 31% $40,000 to $60,000 73% 27% Over $60,000 90% 10%

This trend is the opposite for language fluency — as the income of Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia increases, their ability to speak their language (in all categories, whether fluently or in a limited way) declines. Those earning $20,000 to $40,000/year have a highest rate of language proficiency, however the percentage declines thereafter. Respondents in the lowest income brackets also have lower rates of language proficiency. This is shown in Table 5c below.

Table 5c Annual income and ability to speak an Aboriginal language

Ability to speak an Aboriginal language

Yes No Less than $2000 13% 11% $20,000 to $40,000 18% 18% $40,000 to $60,000 13% 15% Over $60,000 4% 7%

CULTURE AND IDENTITY 57 As Aboriginal people increasingly move to urban communities, providing culturally-appropriate and accessible spaces to explore and rein- force Aboriginal identity is important. The next chapter will examine issues facing youth in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia communities.

58 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Chapter 6

aboriginal children and youth in barrie, midland and orillia

At the time of the 2001 Census, 27% (1320 individuals) of the Aboriginal population of Barrie and Midland was under the age of 15 years old, and 43% of the Aboriginal population was under the age of 25 years old. This growing demographic of young urban Aboriginal people has a different set of social understandings and service needs than previous generations. For example, young peoples' familiarity with communications and computer and media technology is much more sophisticated than earlier generations. In addition, Aboriginal youth experience and must cope with an entire range of different socio-economic issues, including drugs, alcohol, parents working away from the home, and single parent families. As such, this chapter focuses on Aboriginal children and youth in Barrie / Midland / Orillia, providing key findings from interviews, focus groups and plenary sessions that focused on youth, with an emphasis on education and employment.

6.1 Youth and education

The problematic nature of mainstream education was a topic of much discussion during the education plenary session and the parent’s focus group. According to the 2001 Census, Aboriginal youth (between 15 and 24 years old) had lower school attendance rates than their non-Aboriginal counterparts (42% versus 58%). This is shown to be especially prevalent among Aboriginal males compared with non-Aboriginal males (37% and 55% respectively). In addition, 50% of Aboriginal females between the ages of 15–24 years old leave high school before completion. The Barrie / Midland / Orillia UATF community survey asked participants to report their highest level of education, as shown in Figure 6a. aboriginal children and youth in barrie, midland and orillia 59 figure 6a What is your level of education?

• 15% of respondents had less than high school education Less than • 23% of respondents had high school high school high school 15% Post-secondary • 28% of respondents had some 34% post-secondary education High school • 34% of respondents had completed 23% post-secondary education

Some post-secondary 28%

Figure 6a shows that 57% of respondents had attended post-secondary school, though only 34% completed it. Fifteen percent of respondents reported that they have less than a high school education. When asked whether respondents left school early for any specific reason, 37% of respondents answered yes, and 63% said they did not. Table 6b shows these responses, in addition to the various reasons respondents reported for leaving school. Family and health issues were the most commonly reported reasons. This UATF data contrasts with the Statistics Canada 2001 Census data, the latter of which reports that 35% of Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia have less than high school diplomas compared to 27% of the non-Aboriginal population. Further data on the subject reported by Statistics Canada includes:

• 15% of Aboriginal people versus 16% of non-Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland have a high school graduation certificate only; • 12% of Aboriginal people versus 10% of non-Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland have some post-secondary education; • 21% of Aboriginal people versus 37% of non-Aboriginal people in Barrie and Midland have a trades, college or university certificate or diploma; and • 3% of Aboriginal people versus 11% of non-Aboriginal people in Barrie Midland have a University degree.

60 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report The discrepancies between Table 6a School attendance the Statistics Canada data and among survey respondents UATF data may indicate that the UATF sample population Did you leave school for any reason? has higher levels of educa- Frequency Percent tion, which may not be repre- Yes 40 37 sentative of the actual entire No 69 63 urban Aboriginal population in Barrie and Midland. It may What was your reason for leaving school? also indicate that in the five years between the Statistics Frequency Percent Canada census and the UATF Family issues 95 37 data collection period, those Health issues 59 23 with lower levels of education Work 52 20 had pursued further education. Other 51 20 It is also important to note that the programs provided by Georgian College have expanded, and the Aboriginal student services that are now provided may have improved the accessibility of a college education for those living in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area.

6.2 Major social and educational challenges for Aboriginal children and youth

Children face a different set of challenges compared to youth in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. In many instances, Aboriginal children in Barrie / Midland / Orillia are moving from reserve communities to urban centres. This comes with many educational and social challenges:

My kids are socially doing well, but they are being pushed through. They are too shy to say it. No one is there to ease them through. (key informant interview)

Parents also spoke about the importance of keeping their children in positive social circumstances and “keeping them out of trouble.” They spoke about the financial strains of extra-curricular activities:

aboriginal children and youth in barrie, midland and orillia 61 Recreational activities, especially for boys, like hockey and baseball, are too expensive. We need programming to assist parents or have music lessons at school. (parent's focus group)

There are also other barriers for Aboriginal parents to enabling the participation of their children in extra-curricular activities after school and on weekends, such as high costs of public transportation and over- crowded housing in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

Lots of families don’t have transportation to get to programs. It is $4.50 for a round trip on the bus. And this affects all issues. (parent's focus group)

As well, many homes are over crowded with more than one family living in a household. While this does provide a level of socialization amongst children and youth, the impacts on children and youth who are required to complete homework is negative. We don’t have the means to secure housing — so we are bunking families together. This impacts how well they can study because of all the distraction with so many families in one house. (parent's focus group)

The importance of supportive programs for children was a theme reiterated among parents. While some parents send their children to the Akwe:go program, it is only for children aged 7 to 12. There is a gap in programming for children aged 12 to 18 — an age where children are in great need of positive influences and role models. In addition, there is significant need for a program that transitions children from the Aboriginal Head Start Program to the first few years they enter the public school system. There have been programs from time to time for youth, but these programs do not receive core funding and programming dollars are inconsistent. One parent expressed their frustration over this lack of consistency in funding at the BNFC:

Every program has been successful here (at BNFC). The government sends pockets of money, but it isn’t based on community need. There is no core funding. (parent's focus group)

62 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Education was also a consistent theme amongst parents and residents in Barrie / Midland / Orillia, in plenary sessions, focus groups and key informant interviews. The lack of direct support for Aboriginal children within the schools (in the form of an Aboriginal counselor) was discussed several times.

There are issues with kids being shy. They need someone who they can identify with … people who are dedicated to working with Aboriginal kids. (education focus group)

Even at the Simcoe County Board of Education level there is only one Aboriginal representative, representing the on-reserve population. There is no representative or advocate for the urban Aboriginal population. The lack of representation and voice at the Board of Education level means that the concerns of many Aboriginal parents are not being heard.

The native representative is for on reserve only and is there because of the financial transfer payments, so there is no pressure from the native urban community. (education focus group)

For the most part we are dealing with the Simcoe County School Board. My clients don't feel like their culture is being respected and they aren’t given the proper amount of service they deserve, in order to deal with our unique needs. They feel like they get talked over and pushed aside. (educators plenary session)

The lack of relevant Aboriginal material in the school curriculum was also mentioned as a barrier to academic success for Aboriginal students. Students need "to meet themselves" in the curriculum, that is, study topics that relate to their lives and cultures as Aboriginal people. The inclusion of Aboriginal history, heritage and contemporary issues can be a source of pride for Aboriginal students and legitimization of Aboriginal cultures.

At all levels, Aboriginal history and culture needs to be addressed much more and in a manner that is respectful and provides correct information rather than presenting stereotypes. (key informant interview)

aboriginal children and youth in barrie, midland and orillia 63 There is a general perception that the situation has improved in recent years, but that the curriculum used in schools is still out of date and tends to present Aboriginal people in a stereotypical fashion.

There is a lack of knowledge about the true historical evolution of Aboriginal people and real Aboriginal history, for example the giving of small pox blankets and the experience of residential schools. Students need to know this. (key informant interview)

Lack of preparation among teachers regarding Aboriginal curriculum, as well as lack of both curriculum and library resources were also perceived as contributing to the problem. There is a sense that teachers do not understand important, and often subtle, needs, behaviours and experiences of their Aboriginal students including different learning styles, speech patterns, ways of expressing themselves linguistically, intergenerational shame, special education needs, prior learning gaps and geographical barriers.

The Barrie, Midland and Orillia area is so large and spread out, there are a multitude of geographical issues … There are several reserves in the catchment area some of which are both by nature and geographically quite remote and isolated and as such students hailing from these areas suffer a unique sort of culture shock and have a different set of challenges than urban youth … The youth from Christian Island often tend to board in Midland during the late fall and winter months...They are not always able to find lodgings with friends or extended family so they are at a disadvantage … For most of these youth it is the first time they are away from home and the change can be disastrous. (educators plenary session)

There is a sense that teachers should have an understanding of Aboriginal issues and cultures if they are going to teach Aboriginal children and/or Aboriginal curriculum. At the same time, there is apprecia- tion of the difficult position in which teachers find themselves with few Aboriginal-specific resources available to them, including human, curricular and scholarly/library. It is clear that dedicated resources are required for the teaching of Aboriginal children and Aboriginal subject matter in the schools of Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

64 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report There is also a sense that more Aboriginal teachers and support staff need to be hired to address the issues and provide positive role models to Aboriginal children. The recently announced Government of Ontario First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework should help to alleviate the situation.

That's what part of the problem is … non-Natives teaching Native ways without having a Native perspective. We should have our own people doing the teaching. (educators plenary session)

Learning styles were also mentioned as an important issue affecting Aboriginal education. Aboriginal children tend to have a visual-spacial learning style, which is different than non-Aboriginal children, and are often alientated by the prevailing teaching styles. Urban Aboriginal youth face challenges at home, within school and after school. As they enter high school, their challenges and obstacles may shift, but they are still significant. When respondents were asked about the major challenges facing youth, the most commonly reported were lack of employment skills and education, followed by lack of funding and programs, as can be seen in Table 6c.

Table 6c Challenges facing urban Aboriginal youth in Barrie / Midland / Orillia by age (in years)

< 24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 > 60 Total Lack of 10 5 0 6 9 1 31 education/ employment skills Addiction 1 3 0 6 1 0 11 Lack of personal 4 5 0 0 5 0 14 identity Lack of funding 3 6 0 7 6 1 23 and programs Violence and 3 1 0 1 0 0 5 abuse Racism 4 3 0 3 1 0 11 Other 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

aboriginal children and youth in barrie, midland and orillia 65 It is likely that the many respondents who reported lack of education and employment skills as a major challenge base this perception on their own personal experience. This is important to note when considering programs aimed at keeping youth in school, finding meaningful employment opportunities and positive personal development. During the educators’ plenary session, community education leaders discussed the lack of academic preparedness of Aboriginal students, particularly for those coming from reserve communities to attend high school in Barrie, Midland and Orillia.

Kids are not prepared with their reading and writing abilities when they enter mainstream schools. Sometimes they enter secondary school with a grade four reading and writing skill level and are left to deal with the consequences. (educators plenary session)

Thus, there was general agreement that Aboriginal children and youth face serious barriers to success in the education system. It is a priority among research participants that these issues be addressed. Recently the Province of Ontario allocated 1.6 million dollars to the Simcoe County School District to address the educational issues affecting Aboriginal students. There was a concern, however, expressed by key informants that the funding should go specifically to Aboriginal programming. Thus, when an Aboriginal child is identified as in need of special education services the funding should go specifically for the provision of those services. It is hoped that these funds will assist in alleviating the issues discussed above.

6.4 Youth programming

Programming has been inconsistent for different age groups in Barrie , Midland and Orillia because of program funding cutbacks. Many mainstream programs cost money and are not subsidized. As one women’s focus group participant stated:

The activities in Orillia need parents to have money for equipment, participant fees, tournaments, etc. So many families with low incomes can’t send their children to participate in positive activities. Lots of

66 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report families move to Orillia to work at Casino Rama, but there isn’t anything for their kids to do. (women's focus group)

Aboriginal youth in Barrie / Midland / Orillia need Aboriginal role models. Plenary session participants talked about the lack of peer-to-peer mentoring between older and younger youth or between youth themselves in the community. Parents are busy with their jobs and running a household, and youth are left without role models. Participants talked about the need for an Aboriginal role model program:

There is a big lack of peer mentoring in our schools. It’s not something that the schools are encouraging and they should be. (educators plenary session)

One life history respondent talked about a role model that she had growing up and the profound impact he had on her life:

He used to take me back to Rama as a child and take me on long drives. He taught me to get involved in the community, and while I was in Rama in the summers I used to sit on the recreation committee and was an honorary member of the Veteran’s Club. He took a special interest in me because he was that kind of person. He wasn’t a blood relative, but knew that I was a troubled child and he could see that I was hurting. He was a respected Elder in Rama and in Barrie. (life history)

As Aboriginal organizations and agencies develop and implement programming for youth, they develop the human capacity of the community. Aboriginal youth are becoming an increasingly vulnerable population and it is integral that they are surrounded in a positive and nurturing environment. Addressing the issues facing youth is particularly important to pre- venting the formation of Aboriginal youth gangs that are currently moving east from Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Partnering with the school board, parents and the youth themselves are important elements in creating such an environment through meaningful programs and services. Many youth come from low income families, so eliminating barriers to participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular programming is also important. Ensuring that urban Aboriginal youth have representative and advocates within the school system is a key place to start.

aboriginal children and youth in barrie, midland and orillia 67 Chapter 7

income levels and rates of poverty for aboriginal people

7.1 Income levels

The Statistics Canada 2001 Census calculated the median income for Aboriginal people, (the midpoint where half of the people are earning more and half of the people are earning less). For Aboriginal people living in Barrie and Midland the median is $20,008, as shown below in Table 7a.

Table 7a Income Figures for Barrie and Midland (Statistics Canada)

Median employment income for the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations 15 years of age or older, Barrie Midland, 2001

Aboriginal Non-Aboriginal Both sexes $20,008 $25,383.50 Men $25,032 $30,735 Women $14,984 $20,032

• Median income for the male Aboriginal population is $5,703.00 lower than their non-Aboriginal counterparts • Median income for Aboriginal women is $5,048 lower than non- Aboriginal female counterparts • Median for Aboriginal people is $5,3750.50 lower than non-Aborig- inal counterparts

The UATF community survey also yielded information on income, as shown below in Figure 7a.

68 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Figure 7a Total family income (Qualitative data — community key informant interviews) 40 38%

< $20,000 35 $20–40,000 30 28% $40–60,0000 25 23% > $60,000 20 15 11% 10 5 0 Annual income

• 23% of participants indicate that they have a household income of less than $20,000 per year • 38% of participants indicate that they have a household income of $20,000–$40,000 per year • 28% of participants indicate that they earn $40,000–$60,000 per year. • 11% of participants indicate that they earn over $60,000 per year.

The UATF data suggests that a middle class of Aboriginal people exists in bmo with 39% of the households earning over $40,000 annually (28% earning between $40,000 and $60,000 annually and 11% earning over $60,000). On the other hand, a substantial number of Aboriginal people live in poverty, and consequently have difficulty acquiring adequate and affordable housing, and feeding their families. Lack of affordable housing and hunger are causes of significant stress for many Aboriginal families in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. When income and gender is examined together, Aboriginal men are consistently earning a higher annual income than Aboriginal women. 14% of Aboriginal men earned over $60,000 per year compared with 9% of Aboriginal women. However, 44% of Aboriginal women earned within the $20,000 to $40,000 annual income compared with 28% of Aboriginal men. There were only slightly more Aboriginal men earning less than $20,000 per year (25%) than Aboriginal women (23%).

income levels and rates of poverty for aboriginal people 69 Each of the survey instruments used different categories to capture the earnings of Aboriginal people living in Barrie / Midland / Orillia (that is, the community survey used the category $20,000 to $30,000 whereas the key informant interview guide used $20,00 to $40,000). Nonetheless, when taken together, the data points to a large number of Aboriginal people earning less than non-Aboriginal people. It is important to note that the UATF data captures total family or household income whereas the Statistics Canada data captures individual income. There are some interesting findings with respect to correlations in health and income. Just over half of those who earn an income of less than $60,000 consider their health to be in very good to excellent condition. Of those who earn over $60,000 annually, 70% consider their health to be in very good to excellent condition. This is consistent with the broader notion that overall health is linked with income — people who are more affluent can afford to eat better, maintain better levels of fitness and are more aware of their health in general. Income-related disparities are also demonstrated in other areas of community life including housing, political representation, education and perceptions of challenges for Aboriginal women in the city. Table 7b shows some significant findings:

Table 7b Significant statistical findings base on annual income

<$20K $20 to $40 to > $60K 40K 60K Gaps in services Yes 64% 56% 81% 70% No 36% 44% 19% 30% Intend to move back to Yes 69% 40% 21% 43% community of origin No 31% 60% 79% 57% Prefer accessing health Yes 65% 70% 56% 89% from an Aboriginal agency No 35% 30% 44% 11% Health needs being met Yes 73% 69% 68% 55% No 17% 31% 32% 45% Do you own or rent Own 13% 28% 52% 67% Rent 87% 72% 48% 33%

70 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report These findings show that urban Aboriginal people at all income levels report gaps in services. Most notably, those earning an annual income of over $40,000 most frequently reported gaps in services. It is also important to note that respondents earning the lowest annual income most frequently reported an intention to return to their community of origin. This finding may indicate that some respondents who left their reserve for a better life in urban centres have found it difficult to attain a satisfactory life situation and are therefore considering returning to their community of origin. Conversely, those who earn higher incomes are less likely to consider moving back to their community of origin. It may be that those respondents who have achieved a satisfactory level of economic success in the urban centre are more likely to commit to an urban lifestyle, and thus do not feel a need to return to their community of origin. People from all levels of income prefer to access health care services from an Aboriginal health centre. This is particularly true of those in the highest income group of over $60,000 per year — almost all of whom preferred Aboriginal health care services. Those in the lower income brackets were more likely to feel that their health needs were being met. Interestingly, the higher the income, the fewer the number of respondents who felt their health needs were being met. The substantial number of Aboriginal people living in poverty in Barrie, Midland and Orillia place huge demands for social service delivery, health care, education and housing. At the same time, there is a substantial urban middle class with very different service and program needs. It is extremely challenging for Aboriginal organizations to provide the diversity of services required by individuals from different income levels and with diverse needs.

income levels and rates of poverty for aboriginal people 71 Chapter 8

racism and aboriginal people in barrie, midland and orillia

The news coverage has been highly biased. Natives are made to look in the wrong, volatile and aggressive. (kii)

Racism is an issue that exists in rural communities, in the city and even in reserve communities. The impacts of events in the media, history lessons from school, and ignorance all compound to form racist attitudes and behaviors. This issue was examined in the UATF community survey and in the key informant interviews. The results of the community survey point to the continued and wide- spread problem of racism in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Eighty-two percent of Aboriginal people have experienced racism in Barrie, Midland and Orillia, and consider it to be a problem between Aboriginal and non-Ab- original people. Racism and discrimination is also felt within the Aboriginal population itself. Fifty-two percent of respondents reported experiencing discrimination from another Aboriginal person. Before the 1985 amend- ment to the Indian Act (Bill C-31), Aboriginal women with Indian Status who married non-Status men lost their Indian Status and were often forced to leave their reserve communities and migrate into off-reserve urban and rural communities as a result of membership criteria set by the Indian Act. The children of these marriages, who were rendered ‘non- Status’ and/or who may be bi-racial, along with other Aboriginal people who have mixed ancestry, often face racism within the city. As one respondent indicated:

My family has not experienced the same things that those on reserve have. We’re seen as ‘white’ and have been told as much by certain individuals. (key informant interview)

72 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Generally, a non-status person feels a little left out, that status people are more privileged or have more access to resources and service … There is a little bit of resentment. (key informant interview)

It is often expressed in certain acute ways that non-status Indians are less than status Indians and status Indians are viewed as legitimate Indians and non-status Indians are viewed as something else. (key informant interview)

Similarly, some respondents reported experiencing discrimination for not being from one of the local First Nation communities.

If you aren’t from the local First Nation, then you are mostly ignored, or it’s hard to break in. (key informant interview)

Some key respondents suggested that the internal divisiveness within the Barrie / Midland / Orillia Aboriginal communities is hampering the formation of a cohesive and unified community.

We are not a cohesive group. Sometimes we engage in behaviours that prevent us from working together for the betterment of the Aboriginal community. Sometimes we tend to involve ourselves in petty issues, rather than working for the greater good of the Aboriginal community. Too much infighting over petty things. (key informant interview)

Other respondents suggested that Aboriginal individuals who have become economically successful have an ambivalent attitude towards Aboriginal people who are poor. As one respondent said:

Turning you back on your culture … An Aboriginal person who has tried to fight stereotypes … that person is walking down the street, trying to fit into white man's society — he hates that guy that is in the gutter … he tries to show everyone that he is not like that person. He should be ashamed of that negative behaviour. It's not that person's fault, they are just trying to survive. (key informant interview)

These particular experiences of racism are especially problematic for Aboriginal people who migrate from First Nations and urban communities across Ontario to work at Casino Rama. Many of these people reside in Orillia. racism and aboriginal people in barrie, midland and orillia 73 Table 8a Perceptions of racism

Yes (%) No (%) Do you think racism against Aboriginal people is a problem? 82 18 Do you think there is racial profiling against Aboriginal people by 81 19 the authorities? Are you aware of anti-racism initiatives? 19 81 Are anti-racism initiatives important to your community? 71 29

Women (85%) felt that racism between Aboriginal and non-Aborigi- nal people was experienced in the city more than men (75%). However, more women (25%) experienced racism in the workplace compared to men (21%); whereas men experienced racism more in restaurants and malls (30%) compared to women (26%). In addition, more women (57%) than men (45%) experienced racism from another Aboriginal person. Racism also takes place in schools. One parent was concerned with their children being bullied in school:

Bullying is a problem. Kids have all kinds of problems with bullying and there is no recourse for kids. Often parents are facing racism just like their kids are both in the school and in the community. When you talk about it, a lot of people feel that racism is not there at all. (parents focus group)

One life history respondent talked about his/her experiences at Catholic school:

It must have been like residential school. We had a strict dress code, only black and white. The crazy nuns were physically abusive; hitting, slapping and ear pinching. They used a ruler to hit to discipline. I think they were racist. They knew I was different, obviously native. All the other kids were white. I don’t remember them (the white kids) being treated the same as me. My friends (name)( they were white) they were at the school, and they were treated better than I was. (life history)

Nineteen percent of survey respondents reported racism is experienced in housing. This was also a finding in key informant interviews:

Landlords can be racist in Barrie, in their mind, natives are high risk. (key informant interview)

74 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Figure 8a Where racism is experienced in Barrie / Midland / Orillia Other 4% • 28% of respondents reported racism Workplace occurred in schools 23% • 26% of respondents reported racism occurred in restaurants and malls Housing • 23% of respondents reported racism Restaurants 19% occurred in the workplace and malls 26% • 19% of respondents reported racism occurred with regard to housing School • 4% of respondents reported racism 28% occurred in other places

Racism was felt in a variety of places including restaurants, the workplace, housing or school. Stores and restaurants were cited as particular sites of racism — especially regarding the use of status cards.

At the stores people get agitated when they see it. They assume that we have it good. It comes down to people not understanding the history behind status cards/Indian Act. (key informant interview)

Because of discrimination, I don't use it. (key informant interview)

In addition, many respondents reported that Aboriginal two-spirited people are often the victims of discrimination.

Not everyone is open-minded. It is getting more accepted. Still, gay- bashing going on. (key informant interview)

It is unsafe to be “out” … due to lack of progress and awareness. It's a problem in many countries due to a lack of awareness of the real teachings of the circle … there is homophobia all over. (key informant interview)

Some key informants reported that discrimination against two-spirited people also occurs within the Aboriginal community.

Derogatory comments made, jokes, stereotyping, mimicking, comments … fear of HIV/AIDS. (key informant interview) racism and aboriginal people in barrie, midland and orillia 75 The UATF research data found little correlation between racism and income. People at all income levels reported experiencing racism, and 100% of those who had a family income of more than $60,000 reported experiencing racism, as shown in Table 8b.

Table 8b Racism from non-Aboriginal people based on annual household income

<$20K $20 to $40 to > $60K 40K 60K Do you experience racism Yes 71% 87% 86% 100% from non-Aboriginal people? No 29% 13% 14% 0%

As shown in Table 8a, the vast majority of respondents in the community survey (81%) were not aware of any anti-racist programs in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Some anti-racism programs do exist at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre and at Anishnabe Education and Training Circle at Georgian College but it is clear that there is a need for greater effort to combat this issue. As Canada becomes increasingly diverse and multicultural, the importance of not only tolerating, but appreciating and celebrating different cultures, ethnic groups and races is important to a successful nation. As media images continue to depict Aboriginal people in a negative light, stereotypes and racism persist. Being the target of racist behavior can be an extremely isolating and alienating experience. The role of Aboriginal organizations is critical to communicating and reinforcing positive images and messages about Aboriginal identity, and to providing support systems to develop and sustain overall healthy communities.

76 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Chapter 9

aboriginal health issues in barrie, midland and orillia

Health is interrelated with many other factors and issues (ie., income), and it is now widely recognized that social indicators of health extend beyond the boundaries of the physical body. This chapter explores how Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia consider the health of their own community, family and self.

9.1 Perception of health

The community survey revealed some notable characteristics of urban Aboriginal health matters in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. First, the majority (54%) of respondents reported their overall health as very good to excellent. Only 13% of survey respondents reported their health as poor-fair. Table 9a shows the overall ratings based on gender.

Table 9a Rating of overall health (UATF survey)

Very good to Good Poor to fair excellent Male 60% 29% 11% Female 50% 37% 13%

Fifty percent of the female respondents reported their health as good to fair, while 60% of the male respondents reported their health as very good to excellent. Not surprisingly, there is a correlation between age

aboriginal health issues in barrie, midland and orillia 77 and perception of health for Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Table 9b shows the ratings based on age.

Table 9b Overall rating of health by age (UATF survey)

Very good to Good Poor to fair excellent < 24 54 42 4 25–34 72 20 8 35–44 43 46 11 45–54 53 23 23 55–64 43 29 29 > 65 25 50 25

The majority of respondents 34 years of age and under reported their health as good to excellent. The older the respondents, the less they considered their health to be good to excellent. Respondents between 55–64 and 65+ years of age reported their health as fair to poor (29% and 25% respectively). Community survey respondents reported a variety of broadly defined health problems within Barrie / Midland / Orillia, as shown in Figure 9a. Drug and alcohol abuse (23%), unemployment (21%) and family violence (18%) are the key health issues for Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. These health issues are highly interrelated and may also be considered social issues. Key informants reported a plethora of specific health issues experienced by Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia, including:

• diabetes; • alcohol and drug abuse; • respiratory illnesses related to smoking; • mental health issues; • poor nutritional habits; • seniors health issues; • cancer; • obesity; and, • heart disease.

78 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Figure 9a Health issues in the BMO for Aboriginal people (UATF survey)

Sexual Other abuse Suicide 10% 14% 14%

Drug and Unemployment alcohol abuse 21% 23%

Family violence 18%

It is important to note that the most commonly reported specific health concerns for Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia were addictions, diabetes and mental health issues. Recently a major Ontario government initiative has begun to address the pressing problem of Aboriginal health. The report Imagine a Better Health System: A Plan to Make It Real (Ontario Ministry of Health, 2006) points out that, ”Aboriginal people in North Simcoe Muskoka face some unique health challenges … Life expectancy is lower and the four lead- ing causes of death are injury and poisoning, heart diseases, cancer and lung diseases … diabetes is rising steadily, and obesity rates are twice the national rate … All forms of addictions occur at a higher rate than among other Canadians”. The Local Health Integration Network (LhIn) and integrated health service plan will establish an Aboriginal Health Secretariat/ Planning body to address Aboriginal health priorities (Imagine a Better Health System, 2006), which, in theory, will involve Aboriginal communities in the planning and delivery of health services. The way in which respondents rate their health may be connected to how frequently a physician was seen over the last year. When asked whether respondents had seen a health professional about their physical or mental health, 76% of respondents indicated that they had seen a health professional in the last year. Twenty-four percent of respondents indicated that they had not seen a health professional in the last year. While there are some Aboriginal health professionals in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area, there are no specific health care centres for

aboriginal health issues in barrie, midland and orillia 79 Table 9c Awareness of Aboriginal people, although some Aboriginal health services in local agencies and organizations the community do provide some health services, such as elder care. Survey partici- Frequency Percent pants were asked whether they Yes 45 39% were aware of Aboriginal health No 72 61% services in their community. The responses are provided in Table 9c. The issue of drug and alcohol abuse came up repeatedly in the focus groups. Lack of treatment facilities and transitional programs for Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia was reported by many participants as a major problem.

We really need a drug/detox centre. Midland has a huge number of crack users. I think we are considered the worst in Ontario. All of downtown is riddled with drug users. There’s lots of cocaine too. And we have all the problems that go hand in hand with that. There isn’t anywhere for local people to go for detox. They have to go all the way to the city or way up north, and that can be really scary for them. (key informant interview)

9.2 Health care provision

As mentioned previously, there is no Aboriginal health care facility in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area, although organizations such as the Barrie Native Friendship Centre and the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre in Midland offer health programs and services. Community survey respondents were asked where they go to meet their health care needs (Figure 9b). A majority of respondents (54%) reported going to a walk-in clinic or hospital emergency room for their health care needs. This indicated that most Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia do not have access to a family doctor or Aboriginal health agency where they would be more likely to receive stable, long-term health care. In Midland, Aboriginal women were concerned about the lack of family doctors available and suggested a mobile health unit for Aboriginal residents. They also reported the difficulties experienced by low income families in transport-

80 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Figure 9b Where people access health services

Other • 32% of respondents visited 5% walk-in clinics for health care services Walk-in clinic 32% • 23% of respondents visited a doctor’s office for health Aboriginal care services agencies • 22% of respondents visited 18% Emergency an emergency room for room health care services 22% Doctor’s office • 18% of respondents visited 23% Aboriginal agencies for health care services

ing their children across the city for medical appointments. Yet, 71% of the survey respondents reported that their health needs are being effectively met. Aboriginal people living in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area prefer to go to an Aboriginal agency or health care provider for their health care needs. Sixty-eight percent of respondents prefer to access their health care from an Aboriginal service provider. Research participants suggested a number of steps that could be taken to address effectively the health issues facing Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. There is a need for:

• more awareness programs to encourage better eating habits; • more medical specialists in the area; more psychologists to attend to mental health needs; • additional addictions counselors and facilities; • another hotline for people in crisis; more emphasis on holistic and culturally-based approaches to healing and wellness; • attention to transportation issues; emphasis on early diagnosis of illness; • recognition that social and physical isolation is a problem for many urban Aboriginal people; • programs to help young mothers with parenting skills; and, • more Aboriginal-specific recreational opportunities in the longer term.

aboriginal health issues in barrie, midland and orillia 81 There was also a clearly articulated need for an urban Aboriginal health centre and a detox facility to serve Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

9.3 Traditional healing

The Barrie / Midland / Orillia area is very fortunate to have the Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre for access to traditional healing. Survey respondents who see traditional healers go primarily on an annual (88%), monthly (7%), and to a lesser extent weekly basis (5%). When asked whether respondents had accessed a traditional healer within the last year, 52% of respondents reported they had not, and 48% reported that they had. In the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area, there is a correlation between income and frequency of visits to a traditional healer, as shown in Table 9d.

Table 9d Accessing a traditional healer in the last year, by income

<$20K $20 to $40 to > $60K 40K 60K Have you accessed a Yes 37% 39% 68% 50% traditional healer in the past year No 63% 61% 32% 50%

According to the Barrie / Midland / Orillia community survey results, individuals in the higher the income the more likely people are to access a traditional healer, especially those making between $40,000 and $60,000. It is interesting that those urban Aboriginal people who have become economically successful utilize Aboriginal healers, perhaps as an expression of their Aboriginal culture. It is clear that traditional Aboriginal healers are an active part of the urban community and should be officially recognized and supported. Issues of health are particularly important for women, who are often primary caregivers in both single and double-parent families. In both of the women’s focus groups in Midland and Orillia, the issue of health was raised repeatedly. The next chapter will explore specific issues that urban Aboriginal women face, including health among others, within the Barrie / Midland / Orillia communities.

82 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Chapter 10

aboriginal women in barrie, midland and orillia

In the UATF Barrie / Midland / Orillia research, two focus groups pertaining to issues facing Aboriginal women were conducted, in addition to a number of relevant questions in the community survey and key respondents interviews. Statistics Canada 2001 Census data shows that Aboriginal families generally tend to be larger than non-Aboriginal families, and are often headed by single mothers. However, in Barrie / Midland / Orillia, there is little difference in the proportion of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families with three or more children (18% and 20% respectively). Statistics Canada 2001 Census data also reports the following:

• Over one in five (23%) Aboriginal families in Barrie and Midland were headed by single parents, compared to 12% of non-Aboriginal families. • One in five (19%) Aboriginal families had no children compared to one in four (24%) of non-Aboriginal families. • Of all Aboriginal families living in Barrie and Midland, 20% were lone-parent families headed by women, and 3% were lone-parent families headed by men.

The research indicates that many urban Aboriginal women, bear a significant burden in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Income levels are significantly lower for Aboriginal women than Aboriginal men ($14, 436 and $29,981 respectively). Given the challenges of working both within and outside of the home, the majority of these Aboriginal single mothers tend to occupy the lower income brackets and, of necessity, have to access social services in order to meet the basic needs of their families. Importantly, women tend to move residences approximately twice as frequently as Aboriginal

aboriginal women in barrie, midland and orillia 83 men, with the notable differences in motivation being that Aboriginal women tend to move more for reasons of social service access and because of safety concerns than Aboriginal men. Key informants were asked why Aboriginal women move from First Nation communities to Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Many suggested that women leave because of such negative factors as: a breakdown of the family because of domestic violence or alcohol abuse, discrimination in legislation, personal safety and the need to bring children out of a negative environment. More positive motivation for moving to urban areas include: looking for better jobs, seeking education, better housing and personal freedom. In terms of attempting to access basic services, many women expressed frustration with a lack of coordination of family support, health and food services, including the fact that they often have to travel across town to access services. The difficulty of transportation was a common theme for many of these women, especially in Barrie. In terms of family programming, many women talked about the gap in services for children over 13 years of age. It was reported that this gap is due mainly to funding cuts. Urban Aboriginal women’s issues were the topic of two focus groups in Orillia and Midland. There was also a plenary session that was composed mainly of women representing various agencies and organizations which discussed women’s issues. Research respondents listed a long list of issues facing Aboriginal women in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

• poverty; • lack of child care; • abusive relationships; • transportation costs; • racism; • lack of access to education and training; • parenting issues; • physical and mental health issues; • unemployment; • affordable housing; • low self-esteem; • alcohol and drug abuse;

84 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report • gambling and addictions; • illiteracy; • lack of stable relationships; and, • lack of connection with Aboriginal culture.

Importantly, many of the respondents spoke about their shared family history of alcoholism, abuse and neglect. This has stymied their ability to positively move forward during different times in their lives. One life history participant stated the following:

Throughout my childhood, I remember my father suffering from alcoholism. I have very traumatic memories of him physically abusing my mother. At the age of 8, I was sexually assaulted by my father. This is something that I did not talk about until I was in my 30’s. Since then, I have gone to therapy with a psychiatrist to deal with the trauma of that experience and other experiences in my childhood. I remember white men coming to the house and my father “selling” my mother to them. They would go into the bedroom with her. The children would be in their bedroom sleeping, but I remember this. I also remember my father beating up a man who had slept with my mother for money. I also remember my father taking a gun to my mother and chasing her around. The kids tried to stop him from shooting her and he ended up shooting the ceiling instead. Many times my father physically hurt her. (life history)

Support for women in crisis is scarce. As a result, many women find themselves faced with little choice but to return to their abusive spouse. In Orillia, one women’s focus group participant said:

In Orillia, there are no shelters for women. Many Aboriginal women in the community are in violent relationships and need immediate shelters. However, the current shelters have rigid restrictions that make it hard for abused women to use them. (women’s focus group)

The research discovered that urban Aboriginal women occupy a dual role in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. They are both the most oppressed members of the community (financially and otherwise) and the most active in working to end that oppression. It was repeatedly stated that Aboriginal women were the prime movers behind the establishment of most of the

aboriginal women in barrie, midland and orillia 85 Aboriginal organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Women also play significant leadership roles and are heavily engaged in volunteering in organizations and at community events. There is also a cadre of professional Aboriginal women in Barrie / Midland / Orillia who act as positive role models for Aboriginal youth, especially young Aboriginal women. Women also have important responsibilities in supporting Aboriginal culture in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

Women are often more actively involved in the community than men. They participate in organizations and are more involved in development of services more than men. (key informant interview)

It is vitally important that programs and activities be put in place to support Aboriginal women in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. There were many suggestions for initiatives that could be undertaken, including:

• development of more transitional housing and shelters; assistance with transportation; • establishment of affordable daycare; • more family counselling; • developing parenting programs; • establishing an Aboriginal women’s advocacy group; greater access to Aboriginal Elders and cultural activities; • instituting a directory of social services in Barrie / Midland / Orillia; • maintaining an additional crisis hotline service; • setting up a mobile health unit and sexual health facilities to make health care more accesible; • initiating a detox facility; and, • affordable housing units for single mothers; and developing employment training for women.

Overall, there was a desire for more Aboriginal-specific services and programs for urban Aboriginal women.

86 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Chapter 11

Barrie, midland and orillia’s emerging aboriginal middle class

The Barrie / Midland / Orillia UATF community survey sample was characterized by the highest percentage of the sample earning substantial incomes of any of the five UATF sites. While poverty among Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia remains a problem, 28% of the sample was earning over $40,000 annually and 11% were earning over $60,000. In addition, the percentage of Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia earning a substantial salary may, in fact, be larger than indicated in the UATF data because individuals in the higher income brackets were un- derrepresented in the UATF study. Respondents suggested that the emerging urban Aboriginal middle class in Barrie / Midland / Orillia is composed mainly of professionals (often working in Aboriginal organizations), self employed individuals or skilled trades workers. While some respondents suggested that members of the urban Aboriginal middle class do attend some community func- tions such as feasts and cultural events, there was a clear sense among key informants that members of the middle class tend not to participate in the Aboriginal community to any large extent. There appears to be two main reasons for their lack of participation: first, they are seen as very busy with little time left over to participate; and second, many individuals do not think that there is much available for them in the urban Aboriginal community. As some key informants indicated:

We don’t see many middle class Aboriginal people around the Aboriginal community in Midland. (key informant interview)

These people see Aboriginal groups as social services, for poor people...it eventually becomes self-fulfilling … they only serve the lower class … so

barrie, midland and orillia’s emerging aboriginal middle class 87 lots of people don’t become involved and don’t go there anymore. (key informant interview)

It differs by location and by what is offered and what they can contribute. The affluent are selective in what they get involved in so if it is not meeting their own social conscious needs, they won’t participate … Middle class people have been more effective in blending into mainstream society and have a different culture and don’t feel a need to migrate to Aboriginal organizations. (key informant interview)

Many respondents stated that programs are open to everyone but con- ceded that people from the Aboriginal middle class tend not actively participate. Many Aboriginal organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia are viewed as focusing on helping individuals with social problems, and thus these organizations tend to lose their relevance to people who have become economically successful. As noted earlier in this report, many of these middle class individuals attempt to maintain links with their culture in terms of seeing traditional Aboriginal healers, visiting their communities of origin and/or attending cultural events. However, it is clear that there is a lack of institutional support for members of the Aboriginal middle class, which could be improved with the initiation of programs such as urban cultural centres, Aboriginal-specific recreational facilities, alternative schools to specifically meet their needs, and more effective integration into the urban Aboriginal community.

88 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Chapter 12

Conclusions and Recommendations

The following discussion and recommendations are based on findings of the study. Every effort has been made to ensure that empirical evidence in various forms from the study support the individual recommendations. They are intended as suggestions as to how to improve the overall situation of Aboriginal people in Barrie, Midland and Orillia. Some of the recommendations are Barrie / Midland / Orillia-specific, that is, they pertain exclusively to the local situation in the three urban areas. Other recommendations have a more regional or provincial focus and relate to larger issues and levels of government. The data from the research clearly demonstrates that there are serious problems that need addressing if Aboriginal people are to take their right- ful place as citizens of Barrie, Midland and Orillia. Aboriginal people make up a growing percentage of the population of the cities. It is everyone’s best interest to ensure that they can attain a satisfactory quality of life and become contributing members of the community. Poverty, lack of affordable housing, health care issues, unemployment, problems of addictions, racism, lack of support for Aboriginal youth and education are all major challenges facing Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. These issues are long-standing. Despite the large number of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies in Barrie / Midland / Orillia that have been formed to address these needs and significant federal and provincial government funding there remain significant gaps and lack of coordination of services, especially for youth. At the same time, there are numerous success stories and many of the programs and services offered have been effective in alleviating the social and economic issues facing Aboriginal people. Government funding has assisted Aboriginal and mainstream agencies alike in their work.

conclusions and recommendations 89 In addition, a substantial number of Aboriginal people have attained a satisfactory lifestyle in the three communities.

12.1 Government mandate, funding and coordination

It is clear that there can be no solution to the problems articulated above without the involvement of all three levels of government. All levels of government are providing significant amounts of funding to a wide diversity of programs and services for urban Aboriginal people. At the same time, research respondents suggested that a number of barriers currently exist that inhibit effectively meeting urban Aboriginal peoples’ needs that relate to government mandates, programs, funding and coordination. Many individuals emphasized the fundamental problem that there is insufficient recognition of the changing demographics of Aboriginal people by government ministries at all levels. There is little acknowledgement, in terms of mandates and programs, of the significant numbers of Aboriginal people living in cities. Only recently have governments acknowledged that they have a role to play in providing programs and services to urban Aboriginal people. But it remains the case that no federal or provincial government ministry has clear responsibility for Aboriginal people living off reserves. As stated previously, both the federal and provincial governments have recognized the need to address the jurisdictional issues and the necessity for greater cooperation and coordination regarding urban Aboriginal people. It is also clear that the time has come for all three levels of government, federal, provincial and municipal to step up to the plate and ac- cept their responsibilities for urban Aboriginal people and enter into relationships with urban agencies. This commitment needs to involve more than short-term programs, “strategies” or other temporary initiatives. It is critical that the organizations with the experience and expertise, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, be involved in working with governments to strengthen their services and develop new models of program and service delivery and even new agencies (or new coalitions of existing organizations) be established. A second concern relates to the lack of coordination among the three levels of government with different level of government “passing the buck” for responsibility for urban Aboriginal people. Despite the talk there is little horizontal or vertical coordination.

90 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report In addition, there is little coordination among the large number of types of government programs available. There are “programs”, “strategies”, “technical assistance”, “grants”, “pilot projects” etc. available but sometimes agencies are unaware of them. There is also a lack of “fit” between the mandate of the government program and the needs of established social service agencies. Also, they are usually short-term and heavily bureaucratic in term of application, administration and evaluation. There was also concern that there is a disparity in programs and funding between on and off reserve communities with on reserve programs receiving more government support than off reserve organizations and programs. It is clear that given the fact that Barrie / Midland / Orillia and a number of First Nation communities share the same geographic region that cooperation and coordination of services is imperative. Perhaps the most important issue for agencies is the lack of stable, long-term organizational funding for Aboriginal organizations. Many agencies receive substantial program dollars but not core funding to support the administration function of their organization (Friendship Centres are an exception but have had no increase in funding in recent years). Aboriginal agencies are often forced to rely on program funding which is time-limited and very time consuming to administer because of onerous application processes and extensive reporting requirements. Furthermore, each government program has its own mandates and criteria and rules for how to access funding. Respondents suggested that the time has come for governments to shift their policy and program priorities and recognize the pressing needs of urban Aboriginal people. At the same time, governments are searching for ways to more adequately respond. For example, the federal government has recently renewed the Urban Aboriginal Strategy and the Ontario provincial government has included urban Aboriginal peoples in its Ontario’s New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs (2005). In addition, new provincial government initiatives such as the Local Health Integration Network Systems (LHINS) are emphasizing the need for “hori- zontality” and cooperation among existing service providers to maximize efficiency, coordination and effectiveness and addressing the specific health needs of Aboriginal people(Imagine a Better Health Care System: Integrated Health Service Plan, 2006). Additional resources, creative think- ing and new approaches will be required to take advantage of these opportunities. Also, new educational initiatives by the province of Ontario which recognized the unique situation of Aboriginal students will conclusions and recommendations 91 contribute to addressing the situation of the alienation of Aboriginal students from the educational system.But it is clear that a great deal remains to be done to effectively meet the needs of the Aboriginal population of Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

Recommendation 1 In light of the fact that both the federal and provincial governments have recognized that over fifty per cent of Aboriginal people in Ontario currently reside in urban areas, that units within all ministries be designated as having responsibility for urban Aboriginal people. These units should be allocated a substantial budget and work with Aboriginal organizations to meet the needs of urban Aboriginal peoples.

Recommendation 2 That the federal government and government of Ontario establish an Inter-departmental Committee composed of representative of all ministries at both levels of government that are involved with urban Aboriginal peoples with a mandate to coordinate policies and fund programs and services to urban Aboriginal peoples in Ontario.

Recommendation 3 That federal, provincial and municipal governments in Simcoe County establish a Simcoe County Aboriginal Funder’s Table with a mandate to coordinate with the BANAC to ensure that appropriate changes are made to local and regional government ministries (including mandated structures, processes and resources) and allocate core funding to the BANAC with a view to ensuring its long-term stability.

Recommendation 4 That the role of BANAC be revitalized and expanded to become an umbrella organization to facilitate and coordinate the development appropriate programs and services utilizing a continuum of care model (i.e. addressing immediate transition needs, short- term adjustment needs and long-term integration needs) to provide coordinated service to Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

Recommendation 5 That the government of Ontario provide BANAC with stable long-term core funding in order for it to carried out its mandate.

92 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Recommendation 6 That all levels of government work toward providing stable long-term core funding to urban Aboriginal organizations providing programs and services to Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

12.2 Urban migration, service delivery and agency coordination

Perhaps the most important finding of the Task Force Study is the fact that despite the long history of Aboriginal people living in Barrie, Midland and Orillia and the significant number of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal social service agencies in place to meet their needs (with the exception of Orillia that has only one Aboriginal organization), that such significant social problems continue to plague Aboriginal people in the city. An infrastructure of Aboriginal social service agencies has grown up over the years to address the issues and, increasingly, mainstream agencies are stepping up to serve the needs of their growing number of Aboriginal clients. Undoubtedly progress has been made but much remains to be done. In part, the problems continue to exist because of the significant number of Aboriginal people coming to Barrie / Midland / Orillia to live or to utilize services. Newcomers, often young people and women from First Nation communities, with little urban experience, low levels of education and few marketable skills continue to move to Barrie, Midland and Orillia. Many people are coming to work at Casino Rama. Respondents reported that often their initial experiences in the city varied and that set a pattern of challenges that they needed to overcome. Aboriginal newcomers often immediately face immediate major struggles of adjustment to the city including such basic needs such as housing, orientation to the city, transportation, lack of money and no support. They sometimes possess little awareness of urban life and information of services available to them. If this initial experience with the city is negative long-term adjustment will be more difficult. There needs to be some system in place to meet the immediate transition needs, the first phase of urban migration, to ensure that the adjustment process from the outset is a positive one. Respondents from Barrie seemed to have less difficulty adjusting to life in the city and felt that the services and programs were, overall, func-

conclusions and recommendations 93 tioning satisfactorily. In Midland, the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre was considered to be a social hub that provides a large number of programs and services. However, housing seemed to be acute not only for newcomers, but also long term residents. Orillia respondents had the most to say about difficult transitions to the community because of the lack of organizations and supports for Aboriginal people, although all respondents spoke highly of the Orillia Native Women’s Association. Ideally, the process should begin before the individual moves to the city. Information should be provided in different formats including orientation sessions about the communities and a comprehensive web site. For newcomers looking at relocating in Barrie, Midland or Orillia, there is very little information on Aboriginal services available. Since many of the newcomers are young, the use of the internet is important and integral for communicating information. A related finding pertains to the need to coordinate services in order to ensure an integrated and thorough approach to assist individuals during their initial transition to the city. Participants in the study spoke of the need for a seamless and holistic process to meet newcomer’s needs when they first come as well as their long-term adjustment. This will require a great deal of coordination and cooperation among agencies, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, as well as First Nations and the establishment of new working relationships. In addition, there is a need for urban agencies to work more closely and coordinate services with those in nearby First Nations communities. Once the immediate transition needs of individuals are met there is a requirement to assist in short-term adjustment to the city by providing such services as adequate housing, transportation, counseling, health services, school registration and other supports. The importance of person to person contact in supporting a vulnerable individual should not be underestimated. Numerous participants in the research mentioned the key role that someone, both in a formal role and informally, played in assisting them in their adjustment. Finally, the study also indicates that individuals need to have their long-term integration needs addressed, integration both into the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Barrie, Midland and Orillia. A major finding of the study was that there exists a large number of long-term Aboriginal residents of Barrie , Midland and Orillia who continue to face serious problems and require programs and services. A different set of services will be required including education, training,

94 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report employment, peer mentoring, Aboriginal culture, affordable long-term housing, access to health service (including acquisition of a family doctor and access to traditional healers), adequate financial resources, recreational programs, the ability to cope with racism and the development of stable healthy relationships. The development of services that effectively address all three phases of urban life, namely, immediate transition, short-term adjustment, and, long-term integration will obviously require significant changes to the processes and services that are currently available. Many agencies, Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal and First Nations, currently exist to meet many of these needs. But the kind of seamless, coordinated and integrated continuum of care articulated by participants currently does not exist. Services are not effectively coordinated, there are gaps in services and individuals sometimes fall between the cracks. As mentioned previously, the continuum of care suggested by study participants currently does not exist, due in part because of the lack of coordination among agencies. This is not unusual as organizations develop and grow based on meeting specific needs with specialized mandates, often according to funding priorities of governments. The issue is particularly pressing now as more and more non-Aboriginal agencies are serving larger numbers of Aboriginal clients. The research uncovered significant efforts to address this issue being initiated through the formation of various groups and partnerships such as BANAC. Yet it is clear from the research that many challenges to Aboriginal agency cooperation remain. Many Aboriginal organizations believe that they face additional challenges compared to non-Aboriginal agencies in providing services including:

• being in a disadvantaged position for the competition for funding; • not receiving as much funding as mainstream agencies for providing similar services; • being burdened by elaborate application and reporting requirements; • long delays in receiving funding from government; • having to rely on short-term funding agreements; • not having stable long-term core funding; • having to be more accountable to the Barrie / Midland / Orillia Aboriginal community; and • providing a “culturally-based” approach to service delivery without adequate funding.

conclusions and recommendations 95 All of these factors require more time, effort and funding to offer adequate programs and services to Aboriginal people. Also contributing to the lack of coordination among agencies is the competition for funds due to government mandates and funding requirements. The issue of recording the number of Aboriginal clients and target- ing funding to Aboriginal people as a specific group was also reported as an issue, particularly by mainstream agencies who serve all groups. Some organizations and government ministries claim that it is difficult to provide specific services to Aboriginal people because there is currently no mechanism to keep track of the number of Aboriginal people they serve. In the past, issues such as the violation of individual’s human rights have been a barrier to the keeping of such “race-based” statistics. Recently, however, organizations and ministries have recognized that this is a barrier to making the case for providing services, including culturally-based services, to Aboriginal people and more and more agencies and educational systems have changed their policies and record-keeping procedures to record the numbers of Aboriginal people they serve. Participants in the research indicated that there is a need to make more of an effort to overcome the issues through greater coordination of services.

Recommendation 7 That the Barrie Area Native Advisory Council (BANAC), as part of its expanded mandate, address the issue of coordination of programs and services to Aboriginal people of Aboriginal organizations, mainstream agencies delivering services to Aboriginal people and First Nations.

It was suggested that BANAC might be reformulated to be composed of representatives from a wide range of Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal organizations, urban community leaders and First Nation representatives to as a coordinating group with a mandate to include: overseeing the development of a continuum of care model for providing programs and services to Aboriginal people in Simcoe County; coordinating the provision of services by existing agencies and the establishing of new ones; liaison with the Simcoe County Aboriginal Funder’s Table; providing coordination of new urban initiatives such as LIHNS; and overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of this report. BANAC would not be a service delivery agency or political organization. It could de-

96 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report velop an official status, structure and mandate with appropriate staff and funding. It should address the three phases of urban migration, adjustment and integration. BANAC could also study the most effective method of ensuring that a continuum of care model of service delivery is developed; e.g., establishing a new agencies or modifying the mandates of existing organizations. It could also determine unmet needs and gaps in services and recommend appropriate action to meet the needs, including referring clients to suitable agencies. BANAC should ensure that the services delivered are culturally appropriate. All three levels of government should be involved in discussions of the reorgani- zation of BANAC as observers to ensure effective coordination with existing government policies, mandates and funding as well as the creation of new ones. BANAC should seek funding from the provincial government to support its mandate. Finally, many key informants characterized Barrie / Midland / Orillia as extremely culturally diverse. That is, the area is composed of numerous cultural groups each contributing a different perspective and making up a mosaic of which Aboriginal people were an important part. Urban Aboriginal people are extensively involved in the multicultural mix that characterizes the cities in a number of ways including being adopted into a non-Aboriginal family, intermarriage, and engaging with kinship and friendship networks involving non-Aboriginal people. As previously discussed, many have established a stable economic existence and have moved beyond the “reserve” definition of Aboriginal culture, creating a more urban identity that involves relationships with other urban groups. Some participants in the research suggested that there needs to be a place where the many cultures that make up Barrie / Midland / Orillia to get together and exchange their diverse cultural gifts.

Recommendation 8 That all social service agencies, health units and educational institutions be encouraged to formally keep track of their Aboriginal clients/students, through a self-identification system from the time they apply for services or enroll in order to have an accurate record of the number and percentage of Aboriginal clients contacted by the organization.

Recommendation 9 That a series of transition programs and settle- ment services (e.g. orientation, host families, counseling, transporta-

conclusions and recommendations 97 tion, referral etc.) be put in place to facilitate the initial adjustment of urban Aboriginal newcomers, especially youth and women.

Recommendation 10 That special effort be made to establish appropriate Aboriginal services and programs in the city of Orillia to meet the social, cultural and recreational needs of the Aboriginal population of the city. Casino Rama could be invited to participate in any discussions to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal people and create a greater sense of community among Aboriginal people in Orillia.

Recommendation 11 That Aboriginal leaders in Barrie / Midland / Orillia make a special effort to attract members of the Aboriginal “emerging middle class” who are not currently connected to the Barrie / Midland / Orillia Aboriginal community to actively participate in their programs in a variety of capacities. This group constitutes an untapped resource with specific skills and experience that can contribute to activities and programs and in turn expand and strengthen the community.

Recommendation 12 That Aboriginal leaders and representatives from other cultural groups in Barrie / Midland / Orillia convene a meeting to discuss the establishment of a Cultural Exchange Centre to bring all cultures together to enrich the social and cultural life in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

12.3 Aboriginal children and youth in Barrie / Midland / Orillia: education and employment

The research discovered that one of the most vulnerable groups in Simcoe County is Aboriginal youth. As mentioned previously, the federal and provincial governments are active in funding a number of youth programs and services such as the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, the Akwe:go Urban Aboriginal Children’s Program and the Stay in School Program. At the same time, there was concern expressed that there needs to be more organized programs in place for children and youth. For example, it was mentioned that after children leave the Aboriginal Head Start Program there is no similar program in the public education system as a transition and that many students of all ages were struggling with the main-

98 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report stream school system. In addition, unlike other cities in Canada there is no youth group in Barrie, Midland or Orillia with which to effectively represent the views of youth. Fundamental to the issues facing youth is child hunger as a result of food insecurity. Food insecurity hits children and youth particularly hard as they are often the most vulnerable. Child Hunger and Food Insecurity among Urban Aboriginal Families (Toronto, 2003) documented serious problems in this regard and made several recommendations to rectify the situation. The importance of having positive role models and a stable Aboriginal identity was emphasized by many participants in the research, especially in the education plenary session. An important group identified were those in late childhood to early adolescent ages (7–17) when youth are so vulnerable in terms of forming their identity and open to negative influences such as drugs, alcohol and gangs and criminal activity. This is a critical period to have services and programs available. The situation is particularly important when youth do not have a stable home environment, as is often the case in Barrie , Midland and Orillia. It is also a time when youth begin to view attending school negatively and when they often begin to experience serious academic difficulties. The impact of negative stereotypes on self esteem and identity is often very severe during this phase of adolescence and can lead to disengagement and disinterest, the major reason male Aboriginal youth gave for dropping out of school. This is a phase when positive Aboriginal role models and relationships are important for the youth’s identity and self-esteem. Programs such as peer mentoring, sports and recreational activities, youth groups and big brother/sisters can greatly assist during this phase. Racism in school was cited as a major problem both in terms of the lack of curriculum in courses where Aboriginal students can “meet themselves” in a positive manner and interaction with non-Aboriginal students. Aboriginal history and contemporary issues are increasing being taught in a more appropriate way in schools but a great deal remains to be done, especially in schools where there is a high Aboriginal student enrolment. Native Studies is now a recognized teachable subject but courses are rarely offered. Another aspect of racism, real or perceived, uncovered in the research is the relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Often students were sensitive to be treated differently because of their skin colour or way of behaving. Overcoming feelings of inferiority and shyness

conclusions and recommendations 99 sometimes resulted in not “fitting in” or participating fully in school activities. Bulling in schools was cited as another problem. These negative factors often lead to youth not seeing the relevance of staying in school and dropping out. It is clear that a significant number of Aboriginal students do not feel comfortable in the existing schools in Barrie, Midland or Orillia, especially those who are boarded out during the school year because their home community does not have a high school. An educational alternative is required. In many cities across Canada (Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, etc.) the public education system has established “cultural survival schools” to meet the goals of providing a relevant educational experience in an appropriate setting with sound academic standards and a significant cultural curriculum. Various models exist for such schools. In addition, study participants suggested that a program needs to be put in place to assist students develop more adequate academic skills necessary to succeed in the public school system, especially those students trasitionaing from reserve schools to mainstream school. A need was also expressed for better and earlier identification and assistance for Aboriginal students with special needs. There also a need to have meaningful employment initiatives to assist Aboriginal youth enter the labour force. Examples of programs currently exist in other parts of Canada including the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce: Aboriginal Employment Initiative. The best practices of these programs need to be studied and implemented and modified to fit the situation in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Urban Aboriginal economic development, especially the en- couragement of establishing small businesses is a pressing need in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. There is a need for start-up capital to start a business in urban areas, business managements training and mentoring programs. Partnerships with the private sector and apprenticeship programs with organized labour would assist in address the issues.

Recommendation 13 That a Simcoe County Aboriginal Education Advisory Board be established with the mandate of overseeing the educational experience of Aboriginal students in the public education system including: examining the curriculum to make certain it contains appropriate materials, establishing a Register of Aboriginal students, ensuring adequate supports are in place for Aboriginal students including culturally appropriate learning styles, Aboriginal

100 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report counsellors, human resource development and advocating for individual students.

Recommendation 14 That a summer transitional program for students coming from First Nations reserve communities into the mainstream community schools be implemented to ensure that they are academically prepared.

Recommendation 15 That the Simcoe County School Boards, in coordination with the Aboriginal Education Advisory Board, undertake a review of the curriculum in Simcoe County District schools with a view to increase the amount of Aboriginal content e.g. add new courses (including Aboriginal language, history, culture and contemporary issues).

Recommendation 16 ThatBANAC contact various business leaders and organizations in the private sector to enter into discussions with a view to creating training and employment programs to assist Aboriginal youth to find employment. A joint body composed of business people, organized labour leaders and Aboriginal people could be created to oversee these initiatives. Funding for the initiative could be provided by appropriate government ministries in cooperation with the private sector.

Recommendation 17 That BANAC enter into a process of discussions with organized labour leaders to establish effective apprenticeship programs for Aboriginal youth to facilitate their entry into the labour market.

Recommendation 18 That Aboriginal and mainstream agencies enter into discussions with governments with a view to establishing additional youth programs such as, peer mentoring/tutoring programs, big brother/big sister programs, cultural events and programs, athletic and sports programs etc. for young Aboriginal youth in addition to the youth programs that already exist.

Recommendation 19 That there be developed an infrastructure capacity for the development of urban capital for Aboriginal businesses

conclusions and recommendations 101 including the provision of source capital for business start-up in urban areas. Models currently exist such as the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) Aboriginal Role Model Program, and the Nishnawbe Education Council Role Model Program. This program can be admin- istered cooperatively through existing organizations in the three communities.

Recommendation 20 That BANAC coordinate an effort to establish a Simcoe County Aboriginal Youth Council (or chapter of the Native Youth Movement). The organization, once established, should be op- erated by Aboriginal youth themselves. The organization should be provided a satisfactory place to meet and hold events and be given adequate funding to operate.

Recommendation 21 That the impacts on Aboriginal students of the nature and timing of the per-capita funding of First Nation students’ by the Department of Indian Affairs be examined with a view to re- ducing the attrition rates of Aboriginal students. This should entail the provision that where an Aboriginal child is identified for special needs that the funding provided be used specifically for Aboriginal children’s services.

12.4 Aboriginal women in Barrie, Midland and Orillia

Our research has shown that there are gaps in services and agencies addressing urban Aboriginal women’s needs that require much needed en- hancement and support. In addressing these unmet needs, an Aboriginal women-specific continuum of care strategy needs to be developed. Importantly, this strategy will need to be responsive to a diversity of needs including those immediate transitional needs of new arrivals to Barrie / Midland / Orillia, the short-term adjustment needs of those seeking to better integrate into the community, and longer-term professional and cultural needs of more established residents.

102 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report At risk Aboriginal women in Barrie / Midland / Orillia (often those recently arrived) require a coordinated, and geographically consolidated array of services that are geared towards providing safe, and culturally supportive spaces that respond to both immediate and the longer term transitional needs in order for them to overcome poverty and violence. These most vulnerable members of the community require an array of counselling services including, those that meet their most basic needs of food, safe shelter, clothing, and transportation. In transitioning out of abusive relationships, poverty and violence, urban Aboriginal women also require an array of counselling services including: addictions, mental health, relationship, parenting, life skills, and legal. It is important that these services are offered in a culturally sensitive manner and that Aboriginal women be given direct and priority access to these services. The provision of transitional housing is a key factor as women move from shelters to more private and stable home environments. Education and training will be an important aspect of the healing process as will mentoring and the building of new social networks within the urban community. For those professional Aboriginal women that have succeeded in college and university and who are working in the community, especially those working in the social services sector, cultural activities and mentoring with Elders and traditional people has been identified as having a significant benefit to personal and community health. It will also be important to develop professional Aboriginal women’s associations to sustain them in their important role in the urban Aboriginal community.

Recommendation 22 ThatBANAC facilitate the organization of a comprehensive urban Aboriginal Women’s Strategy for Barrie / Midland / Orillia with the intent of coordinating existing social services and developing new programs and services that provide a continuum of care for Aboriginal women in Barrie / Midland / Orillia.

Recommendation 23 That a needs assessment study be undertaken to determine the unmet needs of urban Aboriginal women in Barrie / Midland / Orillia which can lead to the expansion of support services to Aboriginal women in Barrie / Midland / Orillia including:

conclusions and recommendations 103 the immediate transitional needs of new arrivals, the short-term adjustment needs of those seeking to better integrate into the community, and the longer-term needs of the more established residents. Priority should be given to the following areas:

• healthy food, safe shelter, clothing, and transportation; • addictions, mental health, relationships, life skills, and legal counselling; • transitional housing; • education and training; and, • childcare as an integral part to the provision of all of these services.

Recommendation 24 That BANAC coordinate the establishment of a protocol and a database of Aboriginal women who are clients of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies that will facilitate their access to appropriate programs and social services.

Recommendation 25 That a women’s mentoring program should be established in Aboriginal service agencies with a goal of assisting women who are beginning their careers in urban Aboriginal agencies.

Recommendation 26 ThatBANAC help initiate the development of an Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association that will provide a venue for women to network, invest collectively, and generally support each other in areas of finance and employment so as to assist Aboriginal women in securing their place in an emerging middle class.

12.5 Racism

The research discovered that racism, both between non-Aboriginal people and Aboriginal people and among Aboriginal people, is a major problem in Barrie / Midland / Orillia. Eighty-two percent of respondents of the community survey thought that racism against Aboriginal people was a problem. The problem is most acute in public place such as stores and restaurants, in relations with police and in schools. While there are anti-racism initiatives they appear not to be very effective as 81% of the respondents had not heard of them.

104 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Respondents also talked about the negative images and inaccurate information pertaining to Aboriginal people frequently presented in the media. There was a recognition that how a group’s stories are told and who tells them to the general public have significant implications for society’s image of the group and the peoples’ image of themselves. It would appear desirable for Aboriginal people to have a more direct role in the telling of stories about themselves in the media.

Recommendation 27 That the cities of Barrie, Midland and Orillia establish the office of Aboriginal Ombudsman to investigate complaints of racism and discrimination so as to bring about necessary changes to racist attitudes.

Recommendation 28 That a workshop be convened between Aboriginal organizations and the various media organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia with a view to discuss ways to involve Aboriginal people more in the media presentation of stories related to Aboriginal people (e.g. student co-op placements, apprenticeship programs, guest columnists etc.).

Recommendation 29 That BANAC convene a meeting with appropriate government ministries and non-Aboriginal organizations in Barrie / Midland / Orillia with a view to developing effective anti-racism initiatives.

12.6 Health access

The research has demonstrated that there are a number of serious health issues facing Aboriginal people in Barrie, Midland and Orillia. Only 23% of survey respondents have a family doctor. A large number of respondents therefore are forced to utilize walk-in clinics or emergency rooms in hospitals for their health care. At the same time, half of the study participants use some form of traditional wellness in their daily lives. In addition, Aboriginal peoples in Barrie / Midland / Orillia face numerous physical and mental health issues, often associated with characteristics uncovered in this study including; poverty, alcohol and drug abuse, family violence, sexual abuse and suicide. This is supported by data from the 2001 Aboriginal Peoples Survey which discovered that the majority (57%) conclusions and recommendations 105 of Aboriginal adults living off reserve have been diagnosed with at least one chronic condition (Stats Canada, 2001). It is clear that despite the Ontario government’s New Directions: Aboriginal Health Policy for Ontario designed to address these issues in a comprehensive way, a great deal remains to be done. As is the case with so many of the issues discussed in this report the health issues of Aboriginal people in Ontario are well documented and recognized. There is an immediate need to articulate gaps in health services, support existing health agencies, recognize the role of traditional Aboriginal healing practices and develop strategies to improve the health of urban Aboriginal people.

Recommendation 30 That a series of inter-agency meetings of representatives from existing health service agencies and relevant government health ministries be convened to discuss how to more effectively meet the physical and mental health needs of Aboriginal people in Barrie / Midland / Orillia with a view to develop a holistic and coordinated continuum of care strategy to address those needs. Particular attention should be paid to mental health needs and to barriers to accessing health services. Partnerships among agencies should be encouraged to maximize effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery. Priorities should be set and new initiatives, funded by government, should be undertaken.

Recommendation 31 That BANAC conduct a workshop on traditional Aboriginal healing to identify local healers in the Barrie / Midland / Orillia area, provide support for their work and coordinate their work. In addition, a series of workshops could be held with participation from traditional Aboriginal healers and Western health professionals with a view to educating Western health care workers of the nature of traditional Aboriginal healing practices.

106 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report References

Anderson-Gill & Associates. (2005). Urban Aboriginal Strategy Pilot Projects Formative Evaluation: Final Report. Anderson, K., Blackwell, S., and Dornan, D. (2000). Urban Aboriginal Child Poverty: A status report on Aboriginal children and their families in Ontario. Toronto, ON: Report prepared for the OFIFC. Conant, S. (2005). Thunder Bay Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography. Dunk, T. (1991). It’s a Working Man’s Town: Male Working Class Culture. Montreal, PQ: McGill-Queens University Press. Durst, D. (2000). It’s Not What But How! Social Service Issues Affecting Aboriginal Peoples: A Review of Projects. Regina, SK: Social Policy Research Unit. Government of Canada. (2006). Urban Aboriginal Strategy. Government of Ontario. (2006). Imagine a Better Health Care System: A Plan to Make it Real. Government of Ontario. (2005). Ontario’s New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs. Krotz, L. (1980). Urban Indians: The Strangers in Canada’ Cities. Edmonton, AB: Hurtig Publishers, pp. 10-11. Maidman, Frank, Ph.D. (1981). Native People in Urban Settings: Problems, Needs, and Services. McCaskill, Don & Kevin Fitzmaurice. (2003). A Labour Force Study of Aboriginal People at Casino Rama. Casino Rama. Newhouse & E. Peters (eds.). (2005). Not Strangers in These Parts: Urban Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa, ON: Policy Research Initiative. Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres. (2003). Child Hunger and Food Insecurity among Urban Aboriginal Families. Toronto. Ontario Ministry of Health. (1994). New Directions: Aboriginal Health Policy for Ontario. Toronto.

preface 107 Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples. (2003). Urban Aboriginal Youth: An Action Plan for Change, Final Report. Ottawa. Statistics Canada. (2001.) Aboriginal Peoples Survey, Ottawa. Todd, R. (2005). “Urban Aboriginal Governance: Development and Issues.” In D. Newhouse and E. Peters, Not Strangers in these Parts: Urban Aboriginal Peoples. Ottawa, ON, Policy Research Institute.

108 urban aboriginal task force: barrie / midland / orillia final report Appendix 1

Research Instruments

The following research instruments were used during the study:

1. Key Respondent Interview Guides • Aboriginal Organizational Key Respondent Interview Guide • Aboriginal Youth Key Respondent Interview Guide • Aboriginal Community Member Key Respondent Interview Guide 2. Community Survey 3. Focus Group Questions 4. Plenary Session Questions 5. Life History Questions

Copies of all research instruments are available upon request at: The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres 219 Front Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 1E8

VOICE: +1 416–956–7575 FAX: +1 416–956–7577 [email protected] www.ofifc.org

Contact: Sylvia Maracle, Executive Director

appendix 1 109

URBAN ABORIGINAL TASK FORCE �� Barrie/Midland/Orillia Final Report

and critical new developments taking place in urban �� Aboriginal communities across the province, the project investigated racism, homelessness, poverty, �� 2007 � youth, women, and health, also considering broader �� concerns of culture and identity, gaps in delivery of services, Elders and long-term care, women and

children, access to resources, and assessment of � �� Aboriginal services. Commissioned by

change aimed at improving the quality of life for all �� The Ontario Native Women’s urban Aboriginal people in Ontario. Association

Additional copies of this report are available for download from www.oﬁfc.org.

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