Since its founding in 2014, Native Montreal has been a place where the Greater Montreal Indigenous community has found solid roots along with solidarity. Created from its members’ desire for a space that centres Indigenous self-determination, Native Montreal is a hub where young people and families can go for support, sharing, and common values.
From its very start, Native Montreal joined the Friendship Centre Movement and became part of one of the largest non-profit Indigenous associations alongside 13 other friendship centres in Quebec and 111 across Canada. Together, they work to preserve cultures and provide safe, inclusive spaces for everyone.
“No social issue is beyond our capacity to address:(…) physical health, mental health, justice issues, educational challenges, the loss of our cultures, social housing issues, student housing, and more.”
– Philippe Tsaronsere Meilleur, Executive Director, Native Montreal
The agency has over 1,000 Indigenous members and provides them with adapted programs while they raise public awareness about Indigenous realities. In spring 2024, the agency inaugurated the first culturally respectful family health clinic in Montreal that improves access to front-line care for Greater Montreal’s Indigenous population.
“My dream for the future is that our children can grow up without the intergenerational violence caused by the impacts of colonialism and the lack of recognition of our realities.”
Philippe Tsaronsere Meilleur, Executive Director, spoke to us passionately about the agency he has led since its creation over 10 years ago.