The Observatory of Urban Indigenous Realities
Gathering. Understanding. Sharing.
Spotlight on urban Indigeneity
The Observatory raises awareness of urban Indigenous realities by disseminating data that is accessible. It supports the Quebec Native Friendship Centre Movement and advocates with players who can help defend the collective rights and interests of Indigenous people in cities.
The Observatory’s research projects
- Study on decision-support needs regarding homelessness in Indigenous populations
- Governance of the Quebec Native Friendship Centre Movement
- The Nashpitshipanu project – A gathering to share Indigenous and scientific knowledge focused on health equity and climate justice in urban environments
- Urban Indigenous People and the Accessibility of Public Services: A provincial overview
- Urban territories, meaning and the arts among urban Indigenous people
Changing perspectives
Recognition of Indigenous knowledge is key to research that is more inclusive and representative of First Peoples’ realities.
The Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) is now recognized as a research organization by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). It is a first in Quebec for the CIHR to appoint an Indigenous organization as principal investigator in a field usually focused on individuals.
This recognition underscores the importance of First Nations’ knowledge and confirms that Indigenous Peoples’ approaches have their rightful place in research.
Partnerships
The Observatory of Urban Indigenous Realities partners with several players involved in research and social action.
These partnerships enrich the Observatory’s work by adding complementary perspectives and fostering an interdisciplinary approach rooted in Indigenous realities.
For more information, please contact the Observatory at recherche@rcaaq.ca.