INDIGENOUS HEALTH IS CENTRAL TO OUR ACTIONS
Indigenous health is rooted in a holistic concept of wellness that draws on balance among the four dimensions of the person: the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual. Health occurs when all aspects of a person’s individual, family, community and professional life are in harmony. Knowledge, traditions and cultures are central to Indigenous health.
The Quebec Native Friendship Centre Movement prioritizes cultural safety in the affirmation of identity and as a basis for socio-cultural commitment in the Movement’s fight against inequity and its defense of urban Indigenous rights, particularly when it comes to health. Friendship Centres strive to meet various needs by deploying a range of services and activities that are culturally relevant and sensitive to Indigenous issues. The professional and cultural skills of the Centres’ teams are a strength that is brought to bear in all the actions taken to support health and wellness.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN FRIENDSHIP CENTRES
Friendship Centre services are culturally relevant and safe. They tangibly improve the health and living conditions of urban Indigenous people and build on individual and collective wellness.
As the gateway to urban Indigenous services, the Native Friendship Centres are supported by various partners in planning, designing and delivering healthcare and frontline services.
Native Friendship Centres offer a broad range of health and social services across the province. Services offered by the RCAAQ’s member Native Friendship Centres include:
- Professional healthcare provided by public doctors and nurses
- Psychosocial intervention
- Accompaniment to and navigation through public services
- Outreach work at home, in the bush and on the street
- Traditional healing pathways
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Food assistance
HEALTH CLINICS
The Native Friendship Centre clinics provide health services in an environment that is familiar, safe and culturally relevant for Indigenous people and they consolidate the Friendship Centres’ health and wellness actions.
The Native Friendship Centres work in partnership with their regions’ CISSS and CIUSSS to expand services adapted to Indigenous people.
There are currently eight health clinics, found in La Tuque, Joliette, Maniwaki, Montreal, Québec City, Trois‑Rivières and Val-d’Or. Other clinics are in the works in Chibougamau and Sept-Îles.