Montreal has inaugurated its first urban shelter run by Indigenous people, the Mitshuap shelter, located near Cabot Square. Established by the Innu Nation, the shelter addresses the tragic death of Raphaël André, an Innu man who perished in January 2021 after being turned away from two shelters due to COVID-19 restrictions. A warming tent initially set up in Cabot Square in André’s memory provided temporary relief for about 15 months before the shelter’s opening.
Named “Mitshuap,” meaning “home” in Innu-aiman, the shelter aims to offer a more permanent and culturally resonant solution for Indigenous people facing homelessness in Montreal. Administrator Nadia Robertson envisions the shelter as a place where individuals can rebuild their confidence and sense of security. It accommodates up to 15 women and 35 men, with plans to expand in the future.
The initiative is a response to the increasing number of unhoused Indigenous individuals, a situation deeply personal to Jean-Charles Piétacho, the Innu Nation’s homelessness division chief. Piétacho, who lost his daughter to homelessness in Ottawa, hopes the shelter will support people in their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency. The Mitshuap shelter integrates cultural support into its mission, allowing clients to perform traditional practices like burning sage and interacting with staff in their native languages. The shelter aims to create a judgment-free environment where residents can feel valued and supported while receiving essential services.
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