Building on What Works: Strengthening Proven Urban Indigenous Institutions to Maximize Public Benefits

Tabled by the RCAAQ to the Department of Finance Canada as part of the 2026-2027 federal pre-budget consultations, this position paper highlights the essential role of Indigenous Friendship Centres as institutions of governance, service delivery and community development for First Nations and Inuit living in urban areas. The RCAAQ recommends the implementation of stable and predictable funding for Native Friendship Centres, accelerated investments in Indigenous housing under Indigenous governance, and dedicated support for urban Indigenous community infrastructure. Entitled Building on What Works: Strengthening Proven Urban Indigenous Institutions to Maximize Public Benefits, the paper emphasizes the importance of investing in Indigenous-led solutions that are already rooted in communities and delivering results. It advances an approach centred on self-determination, continuity of services and the sustainable development of urban Indigenous communities.