* Under construction *
« We’re never treated the same way as others. The others, the others, the others… We’re supposed to be all equal… Because we’re Indigenous right away they say, “Ah! He’s an alcoholic. We’ll treat him. Tomorrow he’ll be doing the same thing again.” That, I experienced it. »
Stéphane, Indigenous Support Workers Project’s Peer Community
Objectives of the dossier
- Present the highlights of a participatory project carried out at CREMIS in collaboration with four Indigenous organizations in Montreal ;
- Encourage people to learn more about the realities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and their experiences within the RSSS ;
- Formalize concrete commitements to develop culturally safe intervention practices ;
- Inspire the development of collaborative projects between the RSSS and Indigenous communities.
Who is this dossier intended for?
- A diverse audience, including staff and managers from the RSSS (réseau de la santé et des services sociaux) and, more specifically, the CCSMTL (Centre de coordination des services médicaux et thérapeutiques de la région de Montréal) ;
- Indigenous organizations in order to support their work and challenges.
What is a culturally safe space?
Listen to members of Montreal’s Indigenous community answer this question :
Key Messages
- This participatory project has led to some demanding conclusions and recommendations that may be difficult to hear
- We encourage everyone to maintain the commitment, open-mindedness, and humility demonstrated by CCSMTL staff throughout the process
- The project calls for seizing the many opportunities offered by Indigenous organizations to continue the dialogue
- Several participants shared difficult personal stories related to their experiences with public social and health services
How to cite this dossier?
Benoit, Rachel and Mary Shearman (2025). Indigenous Cultural asfety at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal [Dossier web]. Montréal: Centre de recherche de Montréal sur les inégalités sociales, les discriminations et les pratiques alternatives de citoyenneté (CREMIS), CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Indigenous Health Centre of Tiohtià:ke, Indigenous Support Workers Project, Montreal Indigenous Community Network, and Native Friendship Centre of Montreal.