Creating Space for Indigenous Learners to Thrive 

In Montréal, many Indigenous youth face daily barriers to accessing education, from food insecurity and unstable housing to the lack of culturally safe learning environments. For those who have been excluded from or disconnected with mainstream education, finding a pathway back to learning can feel nearly impossible. 

The Native Friendship Centre of Montreal (NFCM) is addressing these barriers through the Kaneko:ta Adult Education Program, a partnership with the First Nations Regional Adult Education Center (FNRAEC) that offers Indigenous students a safe, culturally grounded space to learn, heal, and grow. With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada grant, NFCM is expanding this work and helping more Indigenous learners reconnect to education and community. 

Meeting Students Where They Are 

Kaneko:ta supports Indigenous youth aged 18 to 30 by removing everyday barriers to learning through daily meals, access to supplies and transportation, and trauma-informed, culturally grounded mentorship. Many participants, primarily Inuit and First Nations youth, are returning to education after years away while balancing family and life challenges. Rooted in community and care, the program connects students to wellness supports, cultural teachings, and a strong network of mentors who walk alongside them on their learning journey.  

“This grant will significantly support the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal remove longstanding barriers faced by Indigenous adult learners in the city, allowing us to provide the food, tools, and culturally-appropriate support needed for students to thrive in their return to education,” says the team. 

Rebuilding with Culture and Community 

Through its partnership with the FNRAEC, NFCM provides a dedicated, trauma-informed classroom where Indigenous learners can feel safe and supported. With guidance from cultural facilitators, mentors, and intervention workers, students receive academic, emotional, and social support within a holistic environment that reflects more than 50 years of service to Montréal’s urban Indigenous community. 

Strengthening Indigenous Learning with support from the RHF 

Support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative allows NFCM to deepen its impact, enhancing classroom infrastructure, expanding access to meals and learning resources, and ensuring that Indigenous youth can learn in safety and dignity. 

Beyond financial support, Catapult connects NFCM to a collaborative network of youth-serving organizations across Canada. Together, these partners are building sustainable systems that help young people overcome barriers to education and unlock their potential. 

By investing in initiatives like Kaneko:ta, the RHF is helping create a more equitable and inclusive learning landscape where Indigenous youth can thrive in spaces that honour who they are and where they come from.