Chagossian in Canada

Introduction / History

The Chagossians are the indigenous people of the Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. Their ancestry is a blend of African, Indian, and Malay heritage, tracing back to enslaved and indentured laborers brought by the French and British to work on coconut plantations in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Between 1965 and 1973, the British government forcibly removed the Chagossians from their homeland to make way for a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. Today, they live in diaspora communities in the Seychelles, and the UK, particularly in Crawley and Manchester. A small number are in Canada.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Chagossians have faced marginalization, poverty, and discrimination. Many struggle with access to education and employment. Despite these challenges, they maintain a strong sense of identity and community, preserving their language, music, and traditions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Chagossians are predominantly Christian, with most identifying as Roman Catholic. Their faith is deeply woven into their cultural identity, expressed through community gatherings, religious festivals, and traditional songs and prayers.

What Are Their Needs?

Justice and Restoration: Many Chagossians continue to fight for the right to return to their homeland.

Economic Empowerment: Access to education, employment, and housing remains a challenge.

Cultural Preservation: Their language and traditions are at risk of fading, especially among younger generations in the diaspora.

Prayer Points

Pray for healing and justice for the Chagossian people after decades of displacement.
Pray for open doors for discipleship and spiritual renewal within the community.
Pray for Chagossians to be Christ’s ambassadors no matter where they live.
Pray for Chagossian Christians to be defined by their love for God and their neighbor.

Text Source:   Joshua Project