In Solidarity with the Aboriginal Peoples

The Provincial Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) of Quebec made another concrete gesture in support of Aboriginal people. This Christmas, they donated the money, usually given to the Sisters as gifts, to the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal Inc. (NFCM).

For over 40 years, this non-profit, autonomous, community development organization has been the only comprehensive service and referral point in the Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area in relation to  health, social services, legal services, guidance/information, education, training and career counselling.

Its main mission is to promote, develop and improve the quality of life in the urban Aboriginal community of Montreal. The NFCM is also part of a national initiative to bridge the gap between two cultures. It serves the Aboriginal population which consists of the ten First Nations of Quebec; as well as the Inuit and Métis of Montreal.

For several years, the SNJMs of Quebec have demonstrated their solidarity with Aboriginal peoples. This year, they signed the petition to pressure the Senate to adopt Bill C-15 concerning the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through the work of its Justice and Peace Committee, they continue to further educate themselves regarding the culture of indigenous peoples. Preparations are underway with the SNJM Sisters in Manitoba to hold a virtual meeting with a resource person in January 2022.