tarp report presentation: 2-spirited and middle class
TRANSCRIPT
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• Elder Opening• Welcome and Introductions• Presentation• Discussion and Q&A• Elder Closing and Blessing• Lunch
Overview of Session
TORONTO ABORIGINAL SUPPORT
SERVICES COUNCIL (TASSC)
Toronto Aboriginal Research Project (TARP) Results & Recommendations:
Two-Spirited Aboriginal Community & The Aboriginal Middle Class
1st Annual Decolonizing Indigenous Health Research Conference
Love
Respect
Courage
Honesty
Wisdom
Humility
Truth
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Two-Spirited Aboriginal
Community in Toronto
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less than high school
high school
some post secondary
college diploma/degree
university degree
university graduate degree
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
CHART 3Q: Educational Attainment Across Gender
(Quantitative n=812)
two spiritfemalemale
Percentage
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“Being two-spirited to me is more than just identifying as a woman who loves another
woman. Being two-spirited has an implication of spiritual and social roles within the Cree
culture....they would have been warrior women of the past, teachers, history keepers, medicine
men and women, marriage counsellors, people who were skilled in crafts...”
(Life History)
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“I am two-spirited, but I am still Aboriginal. That is the kicker; it’s like we are a sub-group within
a sub-group. It’s like we are all facing the same issues day in and day out, we all feel the same.
It’s like let’s just work together, instead of us against them. This mentality of us against them
is damaging. We are two-spirited but we are also Aboriginal.”
(Two-Spirited Focus Group)
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11%
17%
1%
21%
10%
5%
1%
2%
13%
3%
9%
6%
CHART 8A: Success Factors for Two Spirited People in Toronto/GTA
(Qualitative n= 208)
More acceptanceAgency programsDiscouragement from othersEstablished community & networkCultural teachings & educationOtherCounselling & supportHiding identityUnsureGay pride parades/socialsHaving prideTwo Spirit Agency
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Aboriginal Middle Class
in Toronto
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40%
16%3%
18%
9%
2% 4%
7%2%
CHART 10A: Reasons for Economic Success (Qualitative N=352)
Education
Hard Work, Determination
Abstinence from drugs and alcohol
Family, Community Support
Good jobs
Assimilate into white society
Other
Self-worth and Attitude
Don't know
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28%
7%
4%
28%
3%
7%
5%
4%
6%
7%
CHART 10B: Engagement of Economically Successful People with the
Toronto Aboriginal Community (Quantative N=115)
Involved at community eventsThey are seen at workNo involvement because community is social service basedDo not participateThink they are superiorfinancial success and cultural identity conflictRole models who help their peopleI stick to my own groupUnsureOther
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“The Aboriginal community is built around social services, not cultural services.”
(Key Informant Interview)
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60%
3%
9%
0%
17%
7% 3%
CHART 10C: Do You Agree or Disagree with the Statement, “If some Aboriginal people attain
financial success, there will be others who will try to put them down”?
(Qualitative n=206)
Jealousy, lateral violenceIsolate themselves from less successfulDon't believe this is trueIt's about powerPrevalentOtherIt depends
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“I was at one time with Aboriginal social housing, and you know I hated it. I hated
seeing the other families living in poverty. I hate the garbage, I hated the smoking, the
partying. I hated the kids being neglected... And sometimes I wonder “I’ve become a snob:.
It’s just not good enough for me. My family deserves more and I don’t want to settle like
that.” (Middle Class Focus Group)
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• Wrapping up
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Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council
16 Spadina Road
Toronto, ON M5R 2S7
Phone: (647) 748-6100
Fax: (647) 748-0699
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tassc.ca
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