Bridging Indigenous and Newcomer Communities

Here in Surrey we live on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the SEMYOME (Semiahmoo), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) First Nations. The Surrey LIP recognizes the importance that reconciliation has in building a truly inclusive and strong community.

As part of this work toward reconciliation, in 2018, the Surrey LIP undertook a project, in partnership with the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA) called Building Solidarity Between Indigenous and Refugee Communities in Surrey, it connected Surrey’s newcomer and Indigenous youth through intercultural dialogue, with events, focus groups and reports.

In 2021, this work to bridge Indigenous and newcomer communities continued with a brand new project — the Surrey First Peoples Guide for Newcomers. This resource guide addresses misconceptions about Indigenous people and provides clear information about the historic and current realities they experience. This resource uncovers hard truths, constructs a foundation for shared understanding, and continues the important work of building solidarity between the Indigenous and newcomer communities in Surrey.