By Bhagyashree Chatterjee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Did you know that 5.4% of Squamish\u2019s population identifies as Indigenous? That\u2019s 1,285 people\u2014mostly people from First Nations and M\u00e9tis \u2014who call this scenic town home. The 2021 Census paints a picture of how Indigenous identity is growing and evolving in Squamish, revealing trends that go beyond just numbers. Let\u2019s dive in. Indigenous identity and ancestry – what\u2019s the difference? The census data shows that while 1,285 residents in Squamish identify as Indigenous, 430 more report having Indigenous ancestry but don\u2019t actively identify as such. What\u2019s going on here? Simply put, it\u2019s a matter of how people feel connected to their heritage. Some people know they have Indigenous roots but may not engage in cultural practices or identify within the community\u2019s legal or… <\/p>\n
By Bhagyashree Chatterjee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Did you know that 5.4% of Squamish\u2019s population identifies as Indigenous? That\u2019s 1,285 people\u2014mostly people from First Nations and M\u00e9tis \u2014who call this scenic town home. The 2021 Census paints a picture of how Indigenous identity is growing and evolving in Squamish, revealing trends that go beyond just numbers. Let\u2019s dive in. Indigenous identity and ancestry – what\u2019s the difference? The census data shows that while 1,285 residents in Squamish identify as Indigenous, 430 more report having Indigenous ancestry but don\u2019t actively identify as such. What\u2019s going on here? Simply put, it\u2019s a matter of how people feel connected to their heritage. Some people know they have Indigenous roots but may not engage in cultural practices or identify within the community\u2019s legal or... <\/p>\n