BREAKING NEW GROUND IN QUEBEC: THE NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRES GIVEN AN
IMPORTANT BOOST IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION FROM THE
QUEBEC GOVERNMENT’S ACTION PLAN FOR THE SOCIAL ECONOMY

Wendake, November 2, 2008 – A partnership agreement signed by the Regroupement des centres
d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) and the Chantier de l’économie sociale at the First
Nations Socio‐Economic Forum in October 2006 will now be receiving support from the Quebec
government’s action plan for the social economy.

The RCAAQ is pleased by the government’s announcement of its action plan for the social economy
and expressed satisfaction that it includes a measure for supporting the mission of the Native
Friendship Centres.

“The First Nations Socio‐Economic Forum has led to the Quebec government’s recognition of the
Native Friendship Centre Movement and of its contribution to Quebec society,” said RCAAQ President
Édith Cloutier in response to the announcement.

The values inherent to the social economy correspond with the values promoted by the Native
Friendship Centres. The RCAAQ and the Chantier de l’économie sociale have therefore joined forces to
promote and encourage the development of the social economy from the specific perspective of urban
Aboriginals as an alternative to conventional economic development.

The social economy represents an outstanding economic development tool for the Native Friendship
Centres because it generates both economic and social wealth. It enhances our collective wealth by
creating sustainable and rewarding jobs, increasing the level of employability, and allowing the
development and delivery of culturally‐adapted services. The social economy is thus helping our
Movement to fight poverty and social exclusion affecting Aboriginal people in the urban setting.

The mission of the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec is to promote the
rights and interests of urban Aboriginal people by supporting the Native Friendship Centres in Quebec
in their actions to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal people, promote culture and build mutual
understanding among peoples.

The Native Friendship Centres in Quebec are located in Montreal, Val‐d’Or, Sept‐Îles, Chibougamau, La
Tuque, Senneterre, Quebec City and Joliette.

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For more information: Patricia Auclair
Communications Coordinator
Regroupement des Centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec
(418) 956‐8082