Société immobilière du Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec

A collaborative approach, by and for Indigenous people

Incorporating a collaborative and inclusive approach, which includes consultation with future residents, SIRCAAQ projects are designed as culturally safe facilities that meet Indigenous tenants’ needs appropriately.

The host communities are also consulted in the development process, and local partners participate by taking part in a local deployment committee.

Innovative and sustainable infrastructures

Indigenous people experience distinct social realities and face specific barriers, including access to housing. These challenges are often the reasons Indigenous students stop their studies temporarily or permanently before graduation. Building specially designed living environments, with integrated services for the whole family, directly addresses these problems and offers affordable, accessible and culturally safe housing to young Indigenous people wishing to pursue their studies away from their home community.

The buildings are conceived to fit harmoniously into the urban landscape while emphasizing the connection with nature as well. They also generate many positive local outcomes and favour the use of local and Indigenous suppliers.

SIRCAAQ’s community living environments are a direct response to the recommendations of the Viens Commission (CERP) and have been recognized by the Government of Québec as a means to address housing and school retention issues.

More than just student residences, these projects create the right conditions for Indigenous students and their families to flourish in symbiosis with their community, values and culture.