From Our Eyes To Yours

Homelessness experienced by Indigenous peoples can be described by the historic and ongoing displacement, geographic separation, mental disruption, imbalance, cultural genocide and spiritual disconnection experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals, families, and communities.

This is what you will read in the report “From Our Eyes to Yours” by the Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK (the NETWORK), which brings to light the complex and intersecting factors that contribute to the over-representation of Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal.

Using mixed methods, including information gathering from organizational meetings, acknowledgement of professional and lived experiences, quantitative analysis, consultation of existing studies and community review, the NETWORK examines 21 major factors contributing to Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness in Tiohtià:ke. These factors are deeply rooted in systemic racism and discrimination, stemming from colonial history and government policies.

A total of 41 recommendations are made in the areas of funding, Indigenous governance, culturally-appropriate support, housing and more. Addressing homelessness experienced in Indigenous communities means ending colonial practices, supporting Indigenous self-determination, revitalizing Indigenous languages and cultures, and enabling the acquisition of life skills as well as the access to emotional, spiritual and mental support.

Read the Executive Summary