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À chaque mois, nous abordons un thème différent avec un mot de la direction ainsi que de courtes vignettes portant sur les fonds, les philanthropes et les organismes qui forment la communauté de la FGM en se mettant à l’écoute et au service de la communauté du Grand Montréal.
When discussing Indigenous issues in Montreal, we must first acknowledge a reality that is often overlooked: Indigenous peoples are an integral part of Montreal’s social fabric. Over 12,000 Indigenous individuals live in the city of Montreal, with several thousand more residing in the greater metropolitan area. This population is diverse, comprising people from many nations with varied socioeconomic backgrounds, hailing from across Quebec and the rest of Canada.
The challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in urban settings are numerous and affect nearly every aspect of life. One of the most visible issues remains homelessness. Indigenous peoples are overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness and continue to face significant barriers in accessing culturally safe services, adapted healthcare, mental health resources, addiction treatment, and sustainable housing solutions.
Our Indigenous community organizations work tirelessly to support these individuals and build bridges with institutions. In recent years, promising collaborations have emerged with health and social service networks, including the creation of service corridors and pathways better tailored to Indigenous realities. However, a lack of funding, specialized human resources and institutional recognition continues to limit the scope and effectiveness of these initiatives. All too often, stories of suffering, episodes of human trafficking and even deaths remind us of the human cost of these shortcomings.
But Indigenous issues in Montreal extend beyond homelessness. Many families choose to settle here to study, work, or provide new opportunities for their children. These families need affordable housing, local services, cultural spaces, recreational activities, and support tailored to their realities. Despite years of advocacy and mobilization, very few Indigenous-led housing projects have materialized in Montreal, even as the need remains urgent.
Cultural preservation is also a fundamental concern. In urban environments, we are far from our traditional territories and have limited access to the knowledge keepers, languages, and practices that nourish our identities. Yet, cultural vitality remains a key factor in well-being, healing, and success. The challenge is immense: it is not about supporting a single culture, but rather dozens of Indigenous cultures coexisting within the city and region.
Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. Every day, I witness the strength of our Indigenous civil society. Urban Indigenous organizations are developing innovative solutions, building lasting partnerships, and addressing the real needs of their communities. They are often best positioned to design appropriate services because they are rooted in the lived realities of the people they support.
In my view, the future lies in strengthening this capacity for action. The self-determination of Indigenous peoples must also be expressed in urban settings, through organizations led by and for Indigenous peoples, capable of developing their own responses to the issues they understand best.
In this regard, the Foundation of Greater Montréal plays a vital role. Beyond the funding it provides, it acts as a lever, a partner, and an advocate. It helps raise awareness within the philanthropic community and mobilizes the resources needed to support structural and sustainable initiatives.
The challenges remain significant, but solutions exist. They require listening, collaboration, and trust in Indigenous organizations that work every day to build a more inclusive, just, and humane Montreal for all.
Executive Director, Native Montreal
Board Member, Foundation of Greater Montréal
