The Observatory of Urban Indigenous Realities

Gathering. Understanding. Sharing.

Mobilizing knowledge for greater impact

Main d'Ainée tenant un petit tambour autochtone recouvert de cuir avec bordure rouge et une baguette en bois, illustrant la pratique musicale traditionnelle.

The Observatory of Urban Indigenous Realities broadens knowledge on urban Indigenous realities and makes it accessible.

It supports the Native Friendship Centre Movement, to inform its actions and strengthen its impact in the field, by using an approach rooted in Indigenous knowledge and based on research, assessment and knowledge mobilization.

Foyer en pierres avec des braises et un morceau de bois partiellement consumé, illustrant un feu traditionnel en extérieur.
Main d'Ainée tenant un petit tambour autochtone recouvert de cuir avec bordure rouge et une baguette en bois, illustrant la pratique musicale traditionnelle.
Foyer en pierres avec des braises et un morceau de bois partiellement consumé, illustrant un feu traditionnel en extérieur.
Main tenant plusieurs pièces de papier pliées aux couleurs rouge, blanc, noir et jaune lors d’un atelier culturel autochtone

Mission

To gather, understand and share knowledge related to urban Indigenous issues, focusing its actions on using First Nations and Inuit knowledge and expertise for the benefit of society as a whole.

Vision

First Nations and Inuit knowledge and expertise contribute fully to society and lead to Indigenous self-determination.

Coquille contenant des feuilles de cèdre pour une cérémonie de purification autochtone.

Knowledge Circle

The Knowledge Circle is a consultative and collaborative body that, through its experience and roots in urban Indigenous realities, guides the Observatory’s work, ensures its relevance and strengthens its cultural anchoring. It also plays a key role in promoting the Observatory’s work.

Composition of the Circle

  • Alice Jérôme – Elder
  • Jean Moreau-Levasseur – Centre multiservices MAMUK
  • Bruno Lemieux – SIRCAAQ
  • Anne-Marie Leclerc – Researcher at UQTR
  • Treena Wasonti:io Delormier – Researcher at McGill
  • Karine Awashish – Researcher and member of the Coop Nitaskinan
  • Leila Qashu – Tahatikonhsontontie’ ERRSA-Québec
  • Nancy Gros-Louis McHugh – First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission
Deux personnes portant des t-shirts avec motifs culturels autochtones, illustrant la fierté et la transmission des traditions

Collective action for the benefit of all

The Observatory works with a wide network of partners: Indigenous individuals and organizations, public decision-makers, researchers, funders and the Quebec Native Friendship Centre Movement.

Its audience is society as a whole, and its work is available to anyone who’d like to better understand Indigenous realities and contribute to the advancement of Indigenous issues in Quebec.

Strategic planning

Our Observatory is adopting a strategic plan to structure its development and guide its actions. Through four key orientations— strengthening its team, affirming its positioning, ensuring its viability and delivering concrete results — it is laying the foundations for a solid organization, rooted in its community but looking to the future.

Deux canots amarrés à un quai en bois sur un lac calme au lever ou coucher du soleil, entouré de collines boisées.