Native Alliance of Quebec Denounces Systemic Violation of the Rights of Off-Reserve Indigenous Peoples Before the United Nations

Gatineau, April 21, 2025 — In a historic move, the Native Alliance of Quebec (NAQ) today submitted its report titled “Voices from the Margins: Recognizing the Rights of Off-Reserve Indigenous Peoples in Quebec” to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). The report highlights the ongoing exclusion of Métis, Inuit, status and non-status First Nations communities living off-reserve—an exclusion that NAQ characterizes as a serious violation of human rights.

“It is unacceptable that the majority of Indigenous people in Quebec are treated as second-class citizens in their own homeland. We are not asking for permission to exist — we are asserting our right to be recognized, funded, and respected.” Grand Chief Gerard Coulombe

Although over 65% of Indigenous people in Quebec live off-reserve, these populations receive less than 15% of available public funding and are systematically excluded from decision-making in health, housing, education, and economic development.

The NAQ report is grounded in legal evidence and damning statistics that reveal a two-tiered system rooted in enduring colonial structures. It outlines the devastating impact of this exclusion on Indigenous women, youth, and non-status individuals.

“We are denied access to resources simply because we do not live on a reserve or because our ancestors were erased from colonial registries. This policy is not only archaic—it is unlawful and inhumane.” Grand Chief Gerard Coulombe

The report submission aligns with UNPFII’s 2025 theme: “The Rights of Indigenous Peoples to Self-Determination and Sustainable Development.” NAQ calls for urgent reform of Canadian laws, full implementation of UNDRIP, and the inclusion of off-reserve Indigenous voices in all public policy processes.

“Justice cannot depend on geography. Reconciliation must include all of us.” ALLIANCE AUTOCHTONE DU QUÉBEC INC.

Report Highlights:

• 205,015 Indigenous people in Quebec — over 65% live off-reserve
• Less than 15% of program funding is accessible to them
• NAQ represents more than 30 off-reserve Indigenous communities
• The report calls for the legal recognition of NAQ as an Indigenous governance organization

NAQ Demands:

• Immediate legal recognition
• Funding frameworks that are status-neutral
• Inclusion in all provincial and federal consultations
• Implementation of the UN Special Rapporteur’s recommendations

For more information or to schedule an interview with Grand Chief Gerard Coulombe, please communicate with:

Vivianne Paul
Media Contact Native Alliance of Quebec (NAQ)
819-770-7763 ext. 206
media@aaqnaq.com
www.aaqnaq.com