"Uyghurs in the Diaspora in Canada" 2021 Survey Report

Abstract

This report presents the results of “The Uyghurs in the Diaspora in Canada” survey. It was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021, by the research team affiliated with the project, Children in Sectarian Religions and State Control at the School of Religious Studies, McGill University.[1] Our aim was to gather information on the Uyghurs who left their Homeland (East Turkestan/Xinjiang) and relocated to Canada. The survey consists of 45 questions that focus on why and how these immigrants came to Canada and what challenges they faced in China. Our respondents numbered 106, and our findings indicate that they were subject to widespread discrimination and oppression in China before emigrating to Canada. Other questions explore their contact with relatives in their Homeland and their level of religiosity since arriving in Canada. Finally, we sought to understand how they are currently attempting to preserve their Uyghur culture and language while living in diaspora.
 
 [1]. For further information on the project please visit the following site: Spiritual Childhoods – Children in Minority Religions, http://www.spiritualchildhoods.ca