NFCM

Summary of organization/program

The Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM) is a non-profit, non-sectarian, autonomous community development agency whose principal mission is to promote, develop, and enhance the quality of life in the urban Aboriginal community of Montreal.


Contact information

  

 2001 boul. St Laurent (corner Ontario), Montreal, QC H2X 2T3


Geographic region

  • local, national, and international
  • Aboriginal population of the eleven nations of Quebec

Participants

Aboriginal population of the eleven nations of Quebec


History/Background Information

Since the time aboriginal students began arriving in Montreal, there was always the realization that urban adjustment was a challenge new arrivals must face. In order to lend support for each other and new arrivals like themselves, a few aboriginal students decided they would set up the Native Friendship Center of Montreal in 1974, to have a place to call home away from home. It is one of among seven Native Friendship Centers in Quebec, and became a member of the National Association of Friendship Centers in 1975, of which there are 117 across Canada. Serving the aboriginal urban community for thirty years the NFCM’s services have greatly expanded since its beginnings as a drop-in center for native students.

Today it offers many helpful and social services through its Urban Referral Department from employment issues, crisis intervention, Indian Status clarifications, legal advocacy to offering assistance to the needy through its food and clothing depots and welfare advocacy. Currently the NFCM client base is at 1200.

The Aboriginal Youth Council serves urban aboriginal youth between the ages of 12 and 29. The AYC set up a project within NFCM where youth could find opportunity to find employment, or start their own business, or return to school.

Aside from help related services one will also find many activities being run by its Socio-Cultural Department. Weekly activities such as beadwork classes, art therapy sessions, Healing Circles, a video day, and lunches are organized, along with monthly activities such as the monthly feast and a bingo night!

With the urban Aboriginal community continuing to grow, the NFCM will continue offering services and support to the native community of Montreal. At its new location in the heart of Montreal, is easily accessed by other native organizations and groups.

A BRIEF HISTORY

  • 1974 creation of the NFCM as a student drop-in centre at 2009 Bishop Street
  • 1975 incorporation
  • 1977 acquisition of the building at 3730 Côte des Neiges Road
  • 1980 initiated the creation of the Native Parajudicial Services of Quebec
  • 1982 organization of the first annual Native Cultural Festival
  • 1987 creation of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal
  • 1990 organization of the first Native AIDS/HIV Conference in Quebec
  • 1993 organization of Montreal’s first
  • Urban Aboriginal Economic Development Department
  • 1995 acquisition of the building at 2001 St-Laurent Boulevard

Established: 1974


Dominant Media Forms

video production

photography

music production


Objectives


Statement of Principles

The mission of the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM) is to promote, develop and enhance the quality of life of Montreal’s urban Aboriginal community.

The Native Friendship Centre of Montreal is part of a national initiative that bridges the gap between two cultures.


Strategies

The NFCM, being part of a regional and national initiative that bridges the gap between two cultures, serves the Aboriginal population of the eleven nations of Quebec. These nations include the Inuit, Cree, Mi’gmaq, Naskapi, Algonquin, Montagnais, Abenaki, Mohawk, Attikamekw, Huron and Malecite. The NFCM also works with nations found throughout Canada and the United States. The NFCM, recognized as an information and referral centre, is also a reference point for other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations. 


Samples of work


Funding Sources