Half of Aboriginal peoples in Canada live in urban centres. Yet, many urban non-Aboriginal Canadians are unaware of their presence. The Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study has shown that there is a basic tension in the hearts and minds of Canadians in regards to where urban Aboriginal peoples fit in the Canadian mosaic. This tension touches all sectors of our society and engages all orders of government.

Achieving reconciliation between Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal Canadians is critical to the country’s future prosperity and to the dignity of all citizens. Major cities are the places where Canadians increasingly build lives and forge relationships. As a result, there is a role for municipalities in advancing the reconciliation agenda.

This report explores the role that cities can play in engaging Aboriginal perspectives in policies that impact urban life.