The Observatory of Urban Indigenous Realities

Gathering. Understanding. Sharing.

Understanding, together

Gros plan sur une main tenant une fleur de chardon avec ses épines vertes et ses pétales violets, illustrant la flore sauvage et les savoirs traditionnels liés aux plantes.

The Observatory blends scientific knowledge with Indigenous world views to better understand the lived experience of First Nations members and Inuit in urban environments. Through research, storytelling, portraits and other kinds of testimonials, the Observatory provides a better grasp of today’s Indigenous realities and insight into the impact of the Quebec Native Friendship Centre Movement’s work.

Aîné du Mouvement des centres d’amitié autochtones se tenant dans l’embrasure d’une porte en bois, portant un chandail avec motif d’aigle
Gros plan sur une main tenant une fleur de chardon avec ses épines vertes et ses pétales violets, illustrant la flore sauvage et les savoirs traditionnels liés aux plantes.
Aîné du Mouvement des centres d’amitié autochtones se tenant dans l’embrasure d’une porte en bois, portant un chandail avec motif d’aigle

Its work gravitates around four main research areas of focus

Icône blanche représentant un tipi stylisé sur fond vert, symbole de culture et d’identité autochtone

Culture and identity

The Observatory’s core themes of Indigenous culture and identity are still poorly documented by external sources, particularly when we take into account the diversity of life trajectories and local contexts in urban areas.

Icône illustrant la santé et le mieux-être : silhouette de cœur au centre, sur fond vert.

Health and wellness

Beyond its crucial role in improving living conditions, health is, for First Nations members and Inuit, a holistic notion with physical, mental, spiritual and emotional aspects at both the individual and community levels. In urban environments, these dimensions are often strained by social exclusion, precarious living conditions and disconnection from traditional environments.

Icône illustrant la gouvernance : une personne connectée à trois autres par des flèches, sur fond vert.

Governance

The Native Friendship Centre Movement is a unique space for expression, leadership and self-determination for Indigenous people in urban areas. Rooted in community realities, our model of Indigenous governance draws on freedom of action so that we can develop innovative responses that are tailored to the needs and traditions of First Nations members and Inuit.

Icône illustrant le logement : deux maisons stylisées en blanc sur fond vert.

Housing, having a place to call home

Housing is a fundamental determinant of living conditions and health. For urban Indigenous people, housing is much more than a roof over their heads: it’s a place to be safe and to live with dignity and cultural continuity. Yet, access to adequate housing continues to be a major issue, which is characterized by persistent inequalities and a worrying rise in both visible and hidden homelessness.

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).

This recognition underscores the importance of First Nations’ knowledge and confirms that Indigenous Peoples’ approaches have their rightful place in research.