Listening, learning, and taking action…
to build lasting connections
Recognition of the territory
Centraide of Greater Montreal, an actor in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, is located and works in the unceded Indigenous lands of Tiohtià:ke.
We recognize the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation as the custodians of the lands and waters of this area and of the place commonly known as Greater Montreal.
Over the years, this territory has been a site of exchange, welcome and gathering for many Indigenous nations, and it is still home to Indigenous communities who are very active on this land.
In a spirit of truth, justice and reconciliation, Centraide is committed to being an ally and taking concrete action to foster closer ties with Indigenous communities.
The goal of this process is for Centraide of Greater Montreal and Indigenous communities to build positive and lasting relationships and to work together to fight poverty and social exclusion. This relationship arises from respect for Indigenous rights, knowledge, and cultures.
It stems from a desire to listen, show humility, and contribute to systemic transformation.
It also evolves as we learn new things and receive recommendations from Indigenous communities, who are the true guides in this process.
Foundations
- Listening to and learning from Indigenous communities.
- Showing humility and respect.
- Acting as an active ally that avoids taking up space and instead amplifies Indigenous voices.
- Supporting agencies that are by, for, and with Indigenous people.
- Transforming our practices to make them inclusive and culturally safe.
How this approach is put into practice
- An action plan to recognize, promote, and support Indigenous initiatives.
- Partnerships with Indigenous agencies to meet community-defined needs.
- Funding tools that are tailored to Indigenous realities (in terms of flexibility, duration, and trust-based approaches).
- A gradual increase in investments to reach $3 million by 2027.
- Awareness and training activities to help our staff better understand Indigenous history, realities, and knowledge.
