Our approach

We favour a holistic approach that considers the individual, the family, the community and their environment, as a whole.

Traditional knowledge, Indigenous values and self-determination are central to our work.

Enfant autochtone portant une casquette et un t-shirt orange, avec une longue tresse dans le dos, accompagné d’une personne adulte à l'extérieur.
Participants vêtus de tenues traditionnelles autochtones lors d’un pow wow

Our focus areas

We focus on four major areas of action.

 

Icone de deux mains qui se serrent

Supporting

the development and roll-out of frontline programs and services tailored to urban Indigenous populations

Icône représentant une maison avec un cœur et trois personnes à l’intérieur, symbole de communauté et d’accueil

Contributing

to the drafting of relevant public policy that benefits urban Indigenous people

Icône représentant un cœur stylisé, symbole de bienveillance et de respect

Fostering

harmony between communities by celebrating Indigenous cultures

Icône représentant deux mains ouvertes soutenant un groupe de personnes, symbole de soutien et d’inclusion

Providing

institutional and strategic support to Friendship Centres while respecting their autonomy and specific local contexts

Our initiatives


Rooted in urban Indigenous realities, our organization implements concrete initiatives to meet the needs of First Nations members and Inuit in cities. Our programs and services are the product of a collective effort, rooted in trust, collaboration and self-determination. Our work aims to break cycles of vulnerability and improve living conditions for urban Indigenous populations, while also building bridges between nations. .

Here are a few of them.

Société immobilière du Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones

Our Société immobilière develops Indigenous living environments that blend safety, cultural belonging and outreach services. They are true community spaces where residents receive basic and essential supports. 

Jeunes réunis dans un Centre d’amitié, échangeant dans un cadre communautaire chaleureux.

Community services

At the heart of the SIRCAAQ’s community living environments, the RCAAQ and the Native Friendship Centres offer adapted and safe services to support Indigenous families and students in their daily lives. 

Infirmière prodiguant des soins à une patiente dans une clinique en santé autochtone, illustrant l’accès aux services de santé adaptés culturellement.

Indigenous health clinics

Several Native Friendship Centres have developed their own community clinics that host professional services in their facilities. These Indigenous health clinics are models of innovative partnership with the public health network, while drawing on a holistic approach that seeks balance between the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions.

Installation en bois dans un cadre forestier, réalisée lors d’un rassemblement jeunesse organisé par le RCAAQ.

The Observatory of Urban Indigenous Realities 

Dedicated to monitoring, researching and analyzing, the Observatory seeks to better understand the living conditions of Indigenous people in urban areas. It documents the needs, issues and aspirations of First Nations members and Inuit in Quebec cities, while also upholding their knowledge and experience.

Illustration minimaliste en ligne continue représentant deux mains se serrant.

Our partnerships

With a long tradition of innovative collaborations, the RCAAQ forges strategic partnerships with government bodies, Indigenous organizations and institutions to meet the needs of First Nations and Inuit citizens living in urban areas. We believe that lasting change comes about by leveraging our collective strength.

The RCAAQ joins forces with committed companies, organizations and individuals, building solid partnerships that can tangibly improve the quality of life of urban Indigenous citizens, while also promoting cultures and fostering closer ties between peoples.