A survey conducted by the Collaboration for Religious Inclusion (CRI) shows nearly half the respondents have experienced discrimination based on their beliefs in the Wood Buffalo region.
The online survey took place in the spring of 2016 and was re-launched in early 2017 following the wildfire. The CRI wanted to understand current issues in regards to knowledge and awareness of different faith groups and how people related to religion and spirituality.
There was 375 people polled and of that number 51 per cent were Christian, 18 per cent Muslim, five per cent Traditional Aboriginal Spirituality, three per cent Sikh, one per cent were either Buddhist, Hindu or Jewish and 17 per cent had no religious affiliation.
A few key findings of the survey was that 45 per cent reported experiencing religious discrimination, 9 per cent felt that discrimination towards certain religions is justified; 6 per cent believed to be targeted in a hate crime, with only 4 per cent of the survey participants reporting it to the police.
“As champions of inclusivity, our goal with this survey is to identify needs and recommendations for community stakeholders to engage in. Our vision is that by raising awareness and learning to know one another, our community will be not only safer but more accepting and loving,” said CRI Chair, Waj Arain.
While some responded in the survey that they experienced discrimination, 88 per cent reported they have witnessed kindness from other religion groups and 46 per cent believe that Wood Buffalo is “very inclusive”.
According to the survey, religion has played a significant role in people’s recovery following the wildfire.
The official results will be released on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Jubilee Plaza.
The day will include a Unity Walk from Jubilee Plaza to the Marakaz-Ul-Islam, All Saints Anglican Church, Fort McMurray First United Church, Fort McMurray Gospel Assembly and end back at the Jubilee Plaza.
