PRESS RELEASE
Kuujjuaq, May 05, 2022 – An Investigative report and a set of recommendations titled, “Don’t Look the other way,” was released by the Montreal Ombudsman. This report provides a current picture of Homelessness among Indigenous and Inuit persons in the Milton-Parc area of Montreal.
Makivvik is pleased to see the report and the recommendations of the Ombudsman of Montreal. The majority of the recommendations are items that Makivvik has taken an active role in advancing and advocating for in our work with governments and institutions. To date, Makivvik has funded initiatives that aim to increase the availability of services to homeless Inuit, we are grateful for the support received so far by both governments, but the report highlights that much more must be done.
“Advocating for the Inuit population who reside in the Montreal area has been a long-time priority for us at Makivvik, We are pleased to see that the ombudsman’s conclusions reflect the work and objectives that Makivvik has carried out over the years. We expect that the various levels of government will take the recommendations seriously and address the issues that disproportionately affect not only the Inuit, but all the indigenous groups who experience homelessness in the city.” Said Pita Aatami, President of Makivvik.
A working group has been established between the City of Montreal and Makivvik, and a strong relationship has been built with Minister Lafrenière and his office. We look forward to including the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal as a partner in finding solutions, and sitting with the city, the province, and the CCSMTL to work collaboratively on solutions for Inuit in Montreal. It is with all these partners taking responsibility and committing to work together that we will be able to reduce and prevent homelessness and develop culturally adapted health and social services for Inuit in Montreal.
Makivvik strongly believes the recommendations are essential and achievable goals and are crucial in addressing the needs of Inuit, both housed and homeless. The implementation of a shelter this year for Inuit, adapting financing methods for Inuit organizations to receive infrastructure funding instead of project funding, and implementation an Inuit-led and managed Multi-Service centre in Montreal, much like Tungasuvingaat Inuit in Ottawa, are all priority items that need to move forward. We fully expect the City, the Province and the CSSMTL to take their responsibilities seriously, and to sit at our working group to help facilitate these goals and make them a reality in the very near future.
The report can be found at the following link.
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Contact:
Carson Tagoona
Director of Communications
Makivvik
ctagoona@makivik.org
www.makivik.org
Makivvik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivvik’s role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivvik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.