The first culturally secure family healthcare clinic officially opened in Montreal on Friday.
The aim of the Native Montreal clinic will be to provide holistic and cultural appropriate services that will complement existing public services for the Indigenous community. The major milestone project was initiated in 2021.
“The family health clinic we created had to be a supportive place, offering an environment that reflected the needs and shared values of this community,” said Native Montreal executive director Phillipe Meilleur in a press release.
Native Montreal’s clinic will have a shared responsibility model between CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montreal and other partners to improve access to front-line services, with a focus on health and prevention.
The clinic will meet the needs of Indigenous communities by offering services to families, children, adults and seniors.
“The joint construction of this project proves that we can work together to offer culturally adapted services to Native people in urban centers,” explained Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for relations with First Nations and Inuit. “I hope this initiative will be replicated in other major cities in Quebec.”
Native Montreal collaborated with numerous partners including Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé and Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for relations with First Nations and Inuit.
“I am very pleased with the inauguration of this clinic, which reflects our government’s commitment to continuing its efforts to improve front-line care and culturally adapted service for [Indigenous community] in urban areas, taking into account their specific needs,” said Dubé.
Additionally, the clinic will have health professionals specially trained to meet the needs and realities of Indigenous communities.
According to a press release by Native Montreal, there are more than 35,000 Indigenous community members living in the Montreal area, including 13,000 people on the island itself.
After a soft launch in November, Native Montreal has been preparing for their grand opening.
“We have been testing services, facilities and the system to ensure that our mission and vision are reflected in a place that brings hope to many members of Montreal’s native community,” said Meilleur.
