Federal Budget 2016 renewed funding for the Urban Aboriginal Strategy for one year and committed Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to identify ways to strengthen the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. As part of its commitment, INAC undertook a comprehensive engagement process from June to September 2016 that included 21 roundtables across Canada, an online survey, funding to national Indigenous organizations to speak with their members and town hall meetings with parliamentarians.

The information gathered through this engagement process has informed the development of policy options for the renewal of urban programming for Indigenous peoples.What should be the primary area(s) of focus for new or expanded programs and services for the urban Indigenous population? Why?

The following questions were used to guide the discussions:

• What are the main issues that Indigenous peoples face when living in or moving to an urban centre?
• Which needs of urban Indigenous peoples are currently being met by government or non-government services?
• Can you provide an example of a successful program or service delivered in an urban centre that has helped you?
• Why has it been successful?
• What need(s) did it address?
• What are the main barriers that need to be addressed to meet the needs of urban Indigenous peoples?
• What are the gaps in current program support for Indigenous peoples living in urban centres?

Participants focused their comments on four broad categories:

• overarching themes
• local programs and services
• program design and delivery
• success stories