SUILC's Foundational Report

All Our Relations

All Our Relations, the foundational report SUILC is built on

This report is Phase I of the Surrey Urban Aboriginal Social Innovation Strategy. In this phase we have illuminated aspects of the Surrey urban Aboriginal population. As a result of our research we have found information that breaks down common misconceptions about the urban Aboriginal population while other statistics are simply distressing.

For example:

It is estimated that the current urban Aboriginal population in Surrey is greater than the urban Aboriginal population in Vancouver.
In 15 years it will be significantly higher, reaching from between 19,000 to as high as 48,000 people.
Aboriginal people in Surrey are not transient – they are often long-term residents in the community.
They are almost equal parts homeowners and renters.
They are engaged in the labour force at similar rates to non-Aborigina

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All Our Relations: Honouring the Host Nations

Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee's work takes place on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Katize, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations. We recognize their connection to this land and acknowledge that we are newcomers to Surrey like everyone else. Our group, the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee does not represent these land-based First Nations and we are careful not to speak on their behalf. Instead, we represent urban Indigenous people that have moved here from all over BC and Canada to make Surrey their home. Our focus is making Surrey a great place for Indigenous people living in the city — regardless of where they come from, their legal status, or their particular culture heritage. As we do this, we endeavour to live in a good way with the land-based First Nations that have called this land their home since time immemorial.