About Us
Strategic orientation: to ensure the stability, enhancement, empowerment, and growth of the organization and community we serve
Mission
The mission of the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM) is to promote, develop, and enhance the quality of life in Montreal’s urban Indigenous community.
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 Indigenous community of Montreal. The NFCM, being a part of a regional and national initiative that bridges the gap between 2 cultures, is the only service and referral point in the Greater Montreal Area dedicated to serving the Indigenous population consisting of the ten First Nations of Quebec, as well as the Inuit and Métis of Montreal. The ten First Nations of Quebec include the Cree, Mi’qmaq, Naskapi, Algonquin, Montagnais, Abenaki, Mohawk, Attikamekw, Huron and Malecite. NFCM provides the quasi-consular services of an urban Indigenous Centre, where people from across the Americas seek support, and referral services in Montreal.
For over 40 years the NFCM has been the primary central service and referral point providing assistance and support to the urban Indigenous population of Montreal and their families, those migrating to or in transition by safeguarding their health, social, and legal conditions and by assisting these individuals in the achievement of their dignity and their quality of life. The NFCM is mandated to provide access and referral to health and social services, through central, suitable, and appropriate facilities where cultural, educational, recreational, and social activities can be held. The Centre also seeks to promote cross-cultural awareness in the Greater Montreal Area by promoting engagement and participation with other sectors.
Vision
Healthy, capable, responsible, self-sufficient and culturally enriched Indigenous people living active, wholesome lives, respected by others as equals and contributing to the larger Montreal society as equal citizens while creating a good future for their youth.
- To assist Indigenous people who are making a transition to the urban community;
- To provide central, suitable, and appropriate facilities where referral and counselling services can be obtained to enable Indigenous people to utilize inter-agency resources, and where meetings, cultural, educational, and recreational events / activities may be held or initiated;
- To plan with government agencies and other organizations to improve the quality of activities, services, and facilities for Indigenous people in the community and to encourage the general public to take an informed interest in the promotion of these objectives and in the wellbeing of Indigenous people;
- To participate with other Indigenous organizations in activities designed to promote the aims and objectives of the Centre;
- To promote and reinforce the understanding of Indigenous identity, culture, and heritage both among Indigenous people in Montreal and in the community at large.
Philosophy
The Native Friendship Centre of Montreal’s philosophy is founded upon the spirituality of Indigenous peoples for our collective well-being.
Through exchange, training, discussion, conferences, and social engagements, the Friendship Centre works to develop, empower, and maintain a strong and integrated urban Indigenous community.
NFCM through its Native Friendship Centre promotes justice, fairness and equality for Indigenous people through a holistic approach to programming and services.
Our philosophy is one that encompasses all Indigenous people in the community who request our assistance.
Values
For over 40 years the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal Inc. (NFCM) has provided continuous quality services to the urban Indigenous population of Montreal and their families and is the only comprehensive service and referral point in the Greater Montreal Area (GMA) in relation to health, social services, legal, orientation/information, education, training, and employment referral for those migrating to or through the city including those from across Quebec, Canada, and the Americas.
- Teamwork: The ability to mobilize together and cooperatively work toward a common purpose and result.
- Respect: The acknowledgement, inclusion, and recognition of self and others through positive and meaningful actions.
- Equality: The inclusion and recognition of individuals without regard or prejudice to background, gender, status, or origin.
- Discipline: Self-reliance, individual empowerment, self-determination, and self-control through integrity, teamwork, personal responsibility, character, and motivation.
- Trust: Reliance, confidence, and absolute certainty of unconditional and non-judgmental acceptance and inclusion.
- Pride: Self-respect, cultural esteem, and sense of personal worth and accomplishment.
- Honor: Recognition, distinction, tolerance, acknowledgement, and respect for individuals, groups, cultural principles, heritage, and traditions.