Aboriginals have same hopes as everyone else

Culture is at the forefront of many First Nation teen’s thoughts, according to the recently released Project Teen Canada survey.
The survey saw more than 5,500 youth between 15-19 surveyed including about 1,000 First Nation youth Canada-wide who shed light on what is going on in their lives and minds, said survey conductor Reginald Bibby.
“Part of the idea of the study was to help people move past negative stereotypes of Aboriginals,” said Terri-Lynn Fox, a member of the Blood reserve in Alberta who worked as an associate on the survey.
Fox is living proof stereotypes shouldn’t be followed.
“There are many things I never should have accomplished in my life according to society’s stereotypes,” she said, listing successful parent and doctorate student among her top qualities.
Fox was surprised to learn 40 per cent of the youth surveyed had already received their traditional name.
“It was a very valuable question to ask,” she said. “Now we need to follow up and find out specifically why they have done so, why it was important to them.
“I’ve always felt the traditional name helps form the identity of the person as they grow.”
The survey also found Aboriginal youth are embracing technology.
“There is a major influence by TV, radio, music and the Internet,” she said.
While using and understanding technology can be good, it can also take away personal connections.
“It’s not a good way to connect,” she said. “People want to share their feelings face to face.”
Other findings Bibby, a sociology professor at the University of Lethbridge, noted are First Nation youth share values and aspirations similar to everyone else’s. The majority also exhibit tremendous resilience and hope as they look to the future.
They also share many of the same fears and concerns including money, rapid change, lack of social support, discrimination and fear for one’s safety.
But the survey wasn’t all bad news.
Their top values are family life, friendship, freedom and being loved.
The most important thing to most respondents: getting a good education and being successful.
The samples were weighted to be “highly representative” of the Canadian population. Results are considered accurate within about three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.