Information for indigenous communities

An information note summarizing the key COVID-19-related government instructions and measures is being produced for the Aboriginal communities.

The most recent information note, dated June 19, 2020, can be downloaded in the following versions: 

Public notices on hygiene rules to limit the transmission of the virus

Compliance with public health instructions is essential and helps to save lives. The government is doing everything necessary to check COVID-19’s spread and to reach as many people as possible.

Everyone is asked to participate in this collective effort by sharing these computer graphics in the social media, on the Internet and in their networks.

Let’s continue to protect ourselves

The “Let’s continue to protect ourselves” poster that reviews the procedures to be followed to protect against the transmission of the coronavirus has been translated for the Aboriginal communities.

The Internet and social media formats :

Print format :

Masks or face coverings in public places

Public notices on the mandatory use of masks or face coverings in public places have been translated into several Aboriginal languages:

Questions and Answers

The government is ensuring that the communities receive and share the information that is being transmitted to the population:

  • A crisis unit has been set up to support the intervention of Indigenous authorities, which includes the participation of the governments of Québec and Canada as well as a number of Indigenous organizations.
  • A specific channel of communication has been opened with the Inuit, who are experiencing particular issues, owing to their geographical situation.

Also, information is being shared on a daily basis through several platforms and in several formats (press releases, press scrums and computer graphics) in order to keep Indigenous communities well informed.

We encourage citizens in Indigenous communities to consult the website daily, and to communicate with local health authorities if needed.

Like the rest of Québec’s population, Indigenous people living in urban areas are encouraged to follow the health recommendations for everyone.

Furthermore, each of the Indigenous authorities is in contact with its members living in urban areas in order to answer their questions and to inform them about local decisions relating to the spreading of the virus. In case of doubt, we recommend that you contact your Council.

Contact your local native friendship centre using the contact information in the Native Friendship Centres section or by visiting their Facebook page.

Gouvernement du Québec

First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) This hyperlink will open in a new window.

Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services This hyperlink will open in a new window.

Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay This hyperlink will open in a new window.

Native Friendship Centres

A number of services are still available in most friendship centres in Québec although access to the public is restricted. You can also visit their Facebook pages.

  • Val-D’Or Native Friendship Centre
    1272, 7e rue
    Val-D’Or (Québec)  J9P 6W6
    Phone : 819 825-6857
  • Senneterre Native Friendship Centre
    910, 10e Avenue
    Senneterre (Québec)  J0Y 2M0
    Phone : 819 737-2324
  • Chibougamau Eenou Native Friendship Centre
    95, rue Jaculet
    Chibougamau (Québec)  G8P 2G1
    Phone : 418 748-7667
  • Lac-Saint-Jean Native Friendship Centre
    700, rue Otis, C.P. 81
    Roberval (Québec)  G8H 2J4
    Phone : 418 765-1202
  • La Tuque Native Friendship Centre
    544, rue Saint-Antoine
    La Tuque (Québec)  G9X 2Y4
    Phone : 819 523-6121
  • Lanaudière Native Friendship Centre
    523, boulevard Ste-Anne
    Joliette (Québec)  J6E 5A3
    Phone : 450 760-3865
  • Sept-Îles Native Friendship Centre
    34, rue Smith
    Sept-Îles (Québec)  G4R 3W2
    Phone : 418 962-9229
  • Montreal Autochtone
    3183, rue St-Jacques, 3e étage
    Montréal (Québec)  H4C 1G7
    Phone : 514 331-6587, ext. 201
  • Trois-Rivières Native Friendship Centre
    1000, boulevard du St-Maurice
    Trois-Rivières (Québec)  G9A 3R3
    Phone : 819 840-6155
  • Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre
    153, rue Laurier
    Maniwaki (Québec)  J9E 2K6
    Phone : 819 892-0892
  • La maison communautaire Missinak, Centre multiservices MAMUK
    8155, 1re Avenue
    Québec (Québec)  G1G 4B8
    Phone : 418 476-8083
  • Saguenay Native Friendship Centre
    491, rue Jacques-Cartier Est
    Saguenay (Québec)  G7H 1Z9
    Phone : 418 973-3424
  • Québec Native Friendship Centre
    234, rue Louis IX
    Québec (Québec)  G2B 1L4
    Phone : 418 845-5898

The following list is not exhaustive. It lists known community organizations in Montréal that serve a mainly, but not exclusively, Indigenous clientele. Other resources in Montréal may offer services that are relevant to the Indigenous population.

Note that some of these organizations may have suspended some or all of their services following the latest guidelines issued by the Government of Québec for COVID‑19.

  • Café de L’Itinéraire
    2103, rue Sainte-Catherine Est
    Montréal (Québec)  H2K 2H9
    Phone : 514 597-0238
  • Montréal Native Friendship Centre
    2001, boulevard Saint-Laurent
    Montréal (Québec)  H2X 2T3
    Phone : 514 499-1854
  • Chez Doris
    1430, rue Chomedey
    Montréal (Québec)  H3H 2A7
    Phone : 514 937-2341
  • Native Women's Shelter of Montreal
    PO Box 183, Station Saint-Jacques
    Montréal (Québec)  H3C 2S1
    Phone : 514 933-4688 | 1 866 403-4688
  • La Porte ouverte
    3535, avenue du Parc
    Montréal (Québec)  H2X 2H8
    Phone : 514 939-1970
  • Plein milieu
    4677, rue Saint-Denis
    Montréal (Québec)  H2J 2L5
    Phone : 514 524-3661
  • Projets autochtones du Québec
    165, rue de la Gauchetière Est
    Montréal (Québec)  H2X 1P7
    Phone : 514 879-3310, ext. 200
  • Resilience Montreal
    4000, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
    Westmount (Québec)  H3Z 1P1
    Phone : 438 828-5767

The opening dates of the hunting and fishing seasons are being maintained but hunters and anglers must abide by government prohibitions. Accordingly, they must always comply with the directives and recommendations of the Direction nationale de la santé publique aimed at curbing the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • avoid travelling from one region to another or from one city to another, except where necessary. Travel related to leisure activities is not deemed necessary;
  • indoor or outdoor gatherings are prohibited;
  • always stay at least 2 metres away from other people;
  • camping is prohibited in controlled harvesting zones (zecs).