Central to urban Indigenous realities

The Native Friendship Centres play a crucial role in the urban life of First Nations members and Inuit in Quebec. Found in 14 cities, these Centres offer adapted services, meet top-priority needs and support social, cultural and community development.

Together, they form the largest service infrastructure dedicated to Indigenous people in urban areas, offering safe spaces, places of cultural grounding, and living environments created by and for Indigenous people.

Panier contenant des mocassins autochtones ornés de perles colorées, symbole du savoir-faire traditionnel au sein des Centres d’amitié.

Concrete actions, a shared vision 

Each Centre is unique, but they all share a vision: to be strong, supportive and deeply rooted Indigenous living environments.

Together, they form a committed, forward-looking Movement in which everyone has a place. Through their concrete actions and their deep roots in cities, Native Friendship Centres bring this vision to life by creating dynamic, inclusive living environments. 

Illustration de l'approche holistique des Centres d'amitié autochtones avec une tresse de foin d’odeur entourant les concepts de santé, mieux-être, identité et autodétermination, ainsi que les langues, pratiques culturelles et traditions autochtones.

Improving the quality of life of Indigenous people in urban areas

To meet concrete needs and promote wellness, the Centres offer safe and welcoming spaces rooted in Indigenous lived experience. They offer a broad range of health, justice, early childhood, education, employability and other services. Aligned with our value of inclusion, the Centres apply an open-door policy: regardless of nation or place of residence, any First Nations or Inuit individual seeking support, guidance and solidarity is welcome.

Valuing cultures, moving toward reconciliation

The Centres are places where knowledge is passed down and Indigenous cultures are celebrated. They actively build bridges between Peoples and promote reconciliation.

A representative Indigenous governance

The Centres are representative, multi-nation Indigenous organizations. This governance model reflects the richness and diversity of urban Indigenous realities. The Centres embody a unique model of Indigenous self-determination in an urban setting. They demonstrate that it is indeed possible to develop culturally reflective services and spaces, provided and led by Indigenous people.

 

 

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Coquillage contenant de la sauge et une plume, utilisé dans une pratique de purification au sein d’un Centre d’amitié.

Eight Indigenous health clinics

Co-developed in partnership with the Quebec network of health and social services, the Friendship Centres’ Indigenous health clinics provide frontline health and social services in a familiar, safe and culturally relevant setting, with a view to rounding out the services available in the public network.

Indigenous health and wellness services have been expanded and enhanced in recent years.

Find an Indigenous health clinic