THE URBAN ABORIGINAL PEOPLES STUDY This Study is about the Future not the Past The Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study (UAPS) is an innovative research initiative aimed at advancing the national conversation with and among Aboriginal Canadians. The study seeks to better understand and document the experiences, aspirations and identities of Aboriginal people living in Canadian cities. Fifty-four percent of Aboriginal Canadians now live in cities (2006 census). Research with this important and growing segment of the Aboriginal population will add a unique vital perspective to the national discourse on their lives and prospects. The study will not replicate past survey work, but rather explore new areas of inquiry concerning the factors currently leading Aboriginal peoples toward success, autonomy, cultural confidence and spiritual meaning. Research Scope 1. Study with Urban Aboriginal Peoples 2. Study with National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) Scholars 3. Study with non-Aboriginal Canadians 1. Survey with Urban Aboriginal Peoples. The main study will focus on self-identified Aboriginal persons living in Canada’s urban centres. The research will be organized around four key topics: experience, identity, values, and aspirations/expectations. It will seek to offer a platform through which Aboriginal peoples living in Canadian cities may articulate their hopes for the future, their definitions of success, the tools and supports that have led them toward fulfillment and autonomy and any barriers that have impeded them. This survey will consist of in-depth in-person interviews with a representative sample of 2,500 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals in the following ten urban centres across the country: Vancouver Edmonton Calgary Regina Saskatoon Thunder Bay Winnipeg Toronto Montreal Halifax 2. National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Survey. The second part of the study will be a survey of past recipients of National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) scholarships. Since 1988, NAAF has provided merit-based scholarships to over 7,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students to help them pursue post-secondary education. NAAF scholars represent a key group of emerging leaders who can provide valuable insight on the future of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. This survey will build on the main study to look deeper at issues around identity, educational experience and success, work and career, and life aspirations. The research will consist of an online survey with a representative sample of 500 NAAF scholarship recipients, with possible in-depth follow-up interviews with selected individuals 3. Non-Aboriginal Canadian Study. The third part of the study is a survey of non-Aboriginal Canadians on issues relating to Aboriginal peoples. This research will provide the basis for making meaningful comparisons on attitudes and perceptions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, that will help inform and enhance future dialogue. This research will be based on a telephone survey conducted with a representative sample of 3,000 non-Aboriginal Canadians, stratified to cover the population nationally and in each of the 10 cities covered by the main study. Notable Features of this Research Incorporates Aboriginal Knowledge. The study is being designed with the guidance of an Advisory Circle that includes a diverse range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal thinkers, as well as senior Environics researchers with experience in conducting research with Aboriginal peoples. The Main Study will be conducted in each city through Aboriginal project coordinators and student interviewers. The UAPS Advisory Circle includes the following individuals: Al Benoit Manitoba Métis Federation John Berry Queen’s University Ellen Bielawski University of Alberta Lewis Cardinal Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee Hayden King Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Peter Dinsdale National Association of Friendship Centres Calvin Helin Lawyer, author of ‘Dances with Dependency’ Caroline Krause Faculty of Education, UBC Peter Menzies Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Katherine Minich University of Toronto David Newhouse Trent University John G. Paul Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Evelyn Peters University of Saskatchewan Mark Podlasly Harvard/Queen’s Fellow Jennifer Rattray University of Winnipeg John Richards Simon Fraser University Pamela Sparklingeyes Edmonton Catholic School Board Noella Steinhauer National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Developing Partnerships. The UAPS has attracted funding from the public and private sectors, as well as from non-governmental organizations including private and community foundations. Each city will have different community partners and the Environics Institute is working to ensure that there is a collaborative engagement strategy between Aboriginal organizations, NGOs, Government, and Universities. Nationally there is a partnership between the National Association of Friendship Centres, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, and the CBC and Globe and Mail as media partners. Community Engagement. The intention of the study is to foster new dialogue and community consultations in each city, through local community foundations, Aboriginal organizations and municipal governments. The findings of the research are intended to be used to build deeper understanding of the values and experiences of urban Aboriginal Peoples, which can lead to policy change, project development and new investment and collaboration at the community level. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.UAPS.ca Ginger Gosnell-Myers Project Manager Cell: (613) 608.4192 ginger.gosnell-myers@environics.ca Vina Wolf Office: (613) 230.5089 Associate Project Manager vina.wolf@environics.ca Keith Neuman, Ph.D. Project Director Office: (613) 230.5089 keith.neuman@environics.ca About the Environics Research Group Environics is one of Canada's leading public opinion and social survey research firms with a reputation for integrity, accuracy and insight. Co-founded in 1970 by Michael Adams, the firm has evolved into a multi-disciplined international research and consulting group. Headquartered in Toronto, the firm has offices and affiliates in Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, Oakland, New York, and Washington D.C. For more information, see www.EnvironicsResearch.ca