Fostering safety, support, and advocacy in downtown Montreal.

The Cabot Square Project

Creating a Safer, More Inclusive Space in Downtown Montreal.

The Cabot Square Project was launched in 2014 by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM) in collaboration with the Borough of Ville-Marie and the YMCA Homelessness Assistance Program. This initiative was created in response to the displacement of Indigenous people in downtown Montreal, aiming to provide support, safety, and advocacy for vulnerable populations in and around Cabot Square.

Project Objectives

The Cabot Square Project seeks to:

  • Foster a safe and welcoming space for all community members.

  • Promote positive cohabitation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.

  • Encourage cultural understanding and learning within the community.

Mediators on the Ground

The project employs mediators sponsored by the City of Montreal who work directly with the homeless Indigenous population and other marginalized groups in Cabot Square and the surrounding areas. They offer culturally relevant and trauma-informed support while building bridges between community members, service providers, and local authorities.

Current Mediators:

  • Robert Ahmad
    Email: robertahmad.mediator@gmail.com

  • Tristin Tukalak-Mount
    Email: tristin.nwsm@gmail.com

Key Responsibilities of the Mediators

  • Individual Support:

    • Providing counseling, particularly in the context of addictions and violence.

    • Offering health information and advocating for personal well-being.

    • Facilitating referrals and follow-ups with relevant services, including health, housing, and financial support.

  • Community Engagement:

    • Acting as a liaison between marginalized and non-marginalized citizens to promote cohabitation in shared spaces.

    • Developing strategies to address recurring issues and participating in public events to foster inclusion.

  • Collaboration with Resources:

    • Working closely with the SPVM, Indigenous organizations, and other local resources to coordinate actions and improve services for the Cabot Square community.

Watch this video for more information on our outreach work in Cabot Square.

Contact Us Today

To find out more about this program, please contact one of our current mediators:

  • Robert Ahmad
    Email: robertahmad.mediator@gmail.com

  • Tristin Tukalak-Mount
    Email: tristin.nwsm@gmail.com