About us

The mission of the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal is to foster growth and nurture wellness by honouring culture and providing a place of belonging for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis community members living within Tiohtià:ke (Montreal).

The Native Friendship Centre of Montréal Inc. (NFCM) is a non-profit, non-sectarian, autonomous community development agency whose principal mission is to promote, develop, and enhance the quality of life of the urban Indigenous community of Montréal. Since 1974, the NFCM has been the primary community service and referral point providing assistance and support to the urban Indigenous population consisting of the ten recognized First Nations of Québec, as well as the Inuit and Métis persons living within Montréal, including those migrating to the city or otherwise in transition. The NFCM is mandated to provide access and referrals to health and social services, through central, suitable, and appropriate facilities where cultural, educational, and recreational activities can be held. The NFCM also seeks to promote cross-cultural awareness in the Greater Montréal Area by promoting engagement and participation with other appropriate and relevant sectors working to serve the Indigenous community. The Native Friendship Centre of Montréal Inc. provides necessary community services where Indigenous people from across Turtle Island seek referral resources and support in a culturally-appropriate environment located in Montréal.

The vision of the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal is for a unified First Nation, Inuit, and Métis community in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) that is healthy, safe, culturally-enriched, and respected by others as equals.

For over 50 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.

The philosophy of the Native Friendship Centre of Montréal 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. The NFCM promotes justice, fairness and equality for Indigenous peoples through a holistic approach to programming and services. Our philosophy is one that encompasses all Indigenous people in the community who request our assistance.

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.

• Respect: The acknowledgement, inclusion, and recognition of self and others through positive and meaningful actions.
• Culture: Culture guides our work and gives life to our community. Through ceremony, teachings, and shared traditions, the NFCM helps urban Indigenous people reconnect to identity, language, and belonging.
• Engagement: with community, partners and stakeholders through relationship and reciprocity - walking alongside those we serve to build trust, connection, and pathways to healing and stability.
• Trust: Reliance, confidence, and absolute certainty of unconditional and non-judgmental acceptance and inclusion.
• Compassion: We lead with compassion and understanding, offering non-judgmental support to those experiencing homelessness, unhoused or precarious housed, and others at risk.
• Humility: We approach our work with humility, guided by community voices, Elders, and lived experience. We know that true change comes through listening and learning together.
• Integrity: The NFCM stands in integrity by remaining accountable to our community and mission. We uphold honesty, transparency, and responsibility in all that we do.