Tiohtià:ke
The island of (re)concili-Action!
From its traditional Kanien’kéha name, which means “where the boats and rivers meet,” the unceded territory of Tiohtià:ke is inhabited today by a mosaic of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Together, families, students, artists, knowledge keepers, Elders and all members of Indigenous communities represent a wide range of languages, cultures and experiences. Indigenous languages spoken in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal include Inuktitut, Cree, Kanien’kéha, Northeast Cree, Southeast Cree, Innu, Mi’kmaq, Algonquin, Atikamekw and many others.
A Growing Community
The last census conducted by the City of Montreal in 2016 indicated that approximately 35,000 residents identified as Indigenous. Statistics Canada has also identified Montreal as one of the cities where the Indigenous population has increased the most between 2016 and 2021, namely a population growth of 11,265 individuals representing an increase of 32.4%. This phenomenon can be explained in part by the growing influence of Indigenous movements, in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal as well as on the rest of Turtle Island, contributing to the desire for reconnection and Indigenous pride.
An increase in migration to larger cities is also being observed, as people from Indigenous communities often see urban centers as places of opportunity. With better access to education, employment and health services, Tiohtià:ke/Montreal also offers the opportunity to reconnect with community members who had previously migrated for the same reasons.
Finally, urban centers are also places where Indigenous peoples can escape the hardships experienced in their own communities. Forced relocations, both historical and current, have led many communities to survive in resource-poor and life-threatening territories. For instance, rural Indigenous communities often face the loss of traditional livelihoods, environmental degradation, water scarcity, poverty, high suicide rates and domestic violence.
Challenges and Inequalities
While most move here with the hope of a better future, on average, Indigenous peoples who have lived in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal for years, even generations, still face higher levels of poverty and homelessness than those experienced by the general population. Once in the city, many are confronted with difficulties such as language barriers, housing instability, discrimination, isolation and lack of opportunity.
These factors, coupled with high rates of psychological distress and substance abuse, often lead to the increased marginalization of Indigenous peoples in urban areas. In fact, these populations are over-represented in terms of homelessness, judicialization, violence against women and youth in foster care. Let’s be clear, these gaps are not due to individual factors, but to centuries of systemic repression and colonialism.
That is why, with our many Indigenous partners and our allies, we advocate for the well-being of Indigenous communities in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal. We collectively strive to secure abundant, safe and culturally relevant access to resources, services and opportunities.
Together we celebrate the solstice, sing for Every Child, march for our missing sisters and build an environment that honors Indigenous knowledge, culture and innovation.
Community Announcements
Are you an Indigenous organization or an organization that works closely with the Indigenous sector?
Would you like to share an important message, opportunity or update with the community?
You can send us your announcement by filling out the form below. Our team will take care of dissemination.
Need support?
Are you an Indigenous person in Tiohtià:ke?
The NETWORK creates content regularly to help you connect with the community, discover opportunities in the city, and find resources that will answer your specific needs.
Consult our various sections to learn more.
