Question Period Note: Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples

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• Indigenous Peoples in urban centres face unique needs and challenges.
• The Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples Program supports Indigenous organizations across the country to provide holistic and culturally-appropriate programs and services to status and non-status First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
• Budget 2024 provided $60 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support Friendship Centres.
• This investment reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to continue to support Friendship

The population of Indigenous Peoples living in urban centres (defined as a population of 1,000 people or more and a population density of 400 persons or more per square kilometer) includes peoples from all distinctions (First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Inuit and Métis) and is expected to remain one of the fastest growing segments within Canada, with a 9.4% increase in population from 2016 to 2021.

Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples was created in 2017 and was designed to achieve greater collaboration across all levels of government, Indigenous communities, private and not-for-profit sectors to leverage resources and maximize strategic investments. UPIP is ISC’s only program that specifically focuses on Indigenous Peoples living in, transitioning to, or accessing services in urban centres

If pressed on funding for Friendship Centres:
• Friendship Centres provide much-needed supports and services to members of their communities across a range of areas including health, housing, education, recreation, language, justice, employment, economic development, culture and community wellness.
• Budget 2024 investments will help ensure that Friendship Centres can continue to support the local needs and priorities of urban, off reserve, and outside of community Indigenous peoples in a manner that is safe, secure, accessible and culturally-relevant.
• Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples has provided over $70 million in 2024-25 to the network of 120 Friendship Centres across Canada.‎