Something to ponder
I had the pleasure to meet with Roger Twance and Christina Apostolakis from Projets Autochtones du Québec, and here is some information about this wonderful organisation as well as ways to contribute to their mission.
Projets Autochtones du Québec (PAQ) is a non-profit organisation committed to enhancing the well-being of Indigenous individuals in Quebec, including those who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Founded in 2004, PAQ caters to the cultural needs of its customers by offering support services, emergency shelter, and long-term housing alternatives that are tailored to the cultural needs of its customers. Additionally, PAQ aims to cultivate a sense of community and cultural identity among its clientele.
The primary objective of PAQ is to establish a secure and nurturing atmosphere for Indigenous Peoples residing in Montreal. The organisation’s objective is to tackle the underlying factors that contribute to homelessness, such as systematic discrimination, intergenerational trauma, and socio-economic inequities. PAQ envisions a world where Indigenous peoples receive equal opportunities and can thrive while preserving their traditional heritage.
PAQ operates a round-the-clock emergency shelter that provides secure accommodation, meals, and essential amenities. The refuge serves as a sanctuary for Indigenous Peoples, offering instant respite from the terrible conditions of street life. PAQ also offers transitional housing options specifically tailored to assist clients in transitioning to long-term, secure living situations. This encompasses the provision of healthcare experts, substance misuse counselling, and mental health assistance, training in essential life skills, and aid in securing jobs.
PAQ acknowledges the significance of cultural identity and incorporates cultural activities into its services. These activities include customary rituals, artisanal training sessions, like soap stone carving, and other cultural activities. They also offer a collective kitchen and restorative justice services, cultivating a feeling of inclusion and satisfaction among the participants.
PAQ provides comprehensive health and wellness programs that cater to the requirements of both physical and emotional well-being. This encompasses the provision of healthcare experts, counselling for substance misuse, and assistance for mental health, all specifically designed to meet the distinct requirements of the Indigenous community. There are always needs for volunteers in the kitchen at 1p.m. and/or 7p.m., or at events. If you wish to become a volunteer at PAQ, you can contact Chloe Turqtuq at chloe.turqtuq@paqc.org.
Despite its accomplishments, PAQ faces obstacles such as financial limitations and the need for additional permanent housing options, notwithstanding its accomplishments. The organisation is actively pursuing collaborations and assistance from governmental entities, private benefactors, and the wider community to enhance its services and extend its scope. If you wish to donate to PAQ, you can do so by contacting Sarah Clark at sarah.clark@paqc.org. They are also accepting donations of goods, like bottled water.
In the future, PAQ intends to enhance its ability to assist a larger number of individuals, establish more extensive long-term housing initiatives, and persist in campaigning for the rights and welfare of Indigenous peoples. PAQ endeavours to foster a more fair and comprehensive society for all by tackling both immediate necessities and underlying structural problems.
Projets Autochtones du Québec is also looking for affordable rooms or apartments to rent for their residents who are looking for more permanent housing. Another action for the region could be to organise a fundraiser for PAQ. Those interested can email me at respect.kanoronhkwatshera@gmail.com.
Volunteers needed at the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiotià:ke!
You can find the sign-up form here.
Save the date
Pow-Wow season is underway! Here are the upcoming ones in July:
- July 5-14 Grand rassemblement des Premières Nations de Mashteuiatsh, https://www.facebook.com/GRPNPekuakami/
- July 13-14 Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow-Wow, https://kahnawakepowwow.com/
- July 20-21 Abenaki Pow-Wow Odanak, https://powwowodanak.com/
- July 26-28 Masinasowina Pow-Wow Manawan, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063570521487
- July 27-28 Pow-Wow traditionnel de Pessamit, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080623651586
Food for thought
If we are all Treaty people, think about what your responsibilities might be, right where you live.
Resource: Home on Native Land, a ten-week course from Raven
A reminder
Please send us what each of you are doing across the region.
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Resources for dedication of Mohawk Bible Many Mohawk Bibles have already been delivered to individuals and communities of faith, with more on their way. The Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle has developed some ideas to help communities of faith dedicate their copies of the Mohawk Bible with respect and gratitude, including liturgical resources, video clips of Harvey Satewas Gabriel reading from the Mohawk Bible and other resources about the significance of this translation.
Download resources: Ohiatonhseratokénti, The Holy Bible in Mohawk (DOC) or (PDF)