Metis Community Services has conducted two surveys of the Metis people of the Capital Region and the Island. In 1996, there was a "needs survey" conducted to identify the needs of the Metis people of south Vancouver Island.
In 2003, another survey was conducted, which produced the following report:
The Métis community of Vancouver Island is overwhelmingly in support of Métis Community Services taking a leading role in planning for the Aboriginal Child and Family Services Authority, according to an independent poll commissioned by MCS.
The poll, which is considered accurate to within three percentage points, was completed during the period from March 27th to April 2nd, 2003. Respondents from the Island Métis community were sampled from the more than 800 Métis families from Victoria to Port Hardy who have identified themselves to MCS during the eight years that the agency has been providing services. More than 90 percent of those polled were also in favour of Métis Community Services being the agency in charge of services for Métis children.
”"This is a particularly gratifying response to our efforts from the Métis community on the Island who are concerned with child and family issues," said MCS Executive Director, Dana Lynn Seaborn. "It makes the early struggles to establish ourselves back in 1996 all seem worthwhile."
The poll also provides clarity on the Island-wide community response from Métis people who are concerned about child and family service issues, but are not necessarily involved in Métis politics. "This is especially important at this time," said Ms. Seaborn, "when there are a variety of definitions of Métis being circulated and competing claims between different Métis organizations. "The survey also provides us with a roadmap for future planning." she said.
The poll identified the top five things that hurt Métis children and families: poverty and unemployment; abuse and neglect of children; children being left in dangerous homes; children placed in foster homes that know little about Métis culture; and youth suicide. Comments from respondents included the following concerns:
“A lot of native and white people don''t acknowledge Métis. There is still discrimination from both sides”
“Not enough extended family. Not knowing where your aunts and uncles are gives you less choice.”
“Identity. Frequently youth and children are in a place where they are not sure they belong”
“Drinking is a big concern.”
“Schools hurt them [children]. There''s no cultural education. Children need self-esteem. There should be someone at school who can teach the kids."
When asked to identify opportunities to change the system, there was no shortage of suggestions ranging from encouraging family and community to assist in planning for children in care, to ensuring that parents receive supports such as respite care, homemaker services or parent skills training. There was overwhelming agreement that we need to increase the number of Métis foster and adoptive homes.
“The system should be flexible about what constitutes a suitable home. We need to be imaginative regarding what a suitable home is.”
“Implement programs that get foster and adoptive parents into Métis culture."
“Provision for responsible Métis people to have a say in what happens to Métis children.”
When asked to identify the qualities and qualifications of staff providing services, respondents said that being respectful of people and having ethical behaviors regarding confidentiality and accountability were most important.
“People should definitely have criminal background checks and the respect of the community.”
“Keep going back to the basics and leave the politics out. See each other as incredible human beings and respect each other.”
Suggestions for future services included:
- skills training, such as, budgeting, cooking, parenting and housekeeping;
- education regarding fetal alcohol syndrome; marriage counseling; sexual health counseling for youth;
- legal services for parents and children involved with the Ministry of Child and Family Development.
“I want something there for the kids, like healing circles and relief care for parents who are pushed to the limit.”
“Outreach to identify children in school for immediate contact.”
“Find a way to pay people who are good role models that can serve in a leadership capacity.”
“I’d like to see Métis law enforcement governed by traditional Métis forms. Youth and adults in trouble respond better to people of the same cultural understanding.”
“We must develop among the Métis a desire to contribute to the wider society. If Métis people can rise to prominence, then they provide a role model and increase the respect for all Métis people.”
The poll was conducted for MCS by Sarah Verstegen. Ms. Verstegen has a Master's degree in human resources and organizational development.
The survey report is available at the MCS offices