The Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) was developed in 1997 to help respond to the needs of Aboriginal people living in key urban centres. Through the UAS, the Government of Canada provides flexible seed funding and seeks to partner with other levels of government, Aboriginal and community organizations, and the private sector to support initiatives that increase the economic and social participation of Aboriginal People living in urban centres.

In 2012 the Government of Canada extended the UAS and transferred three urban Aboriginal programs from Canadian Heritage to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada: the Aboriginal Friendship Centres Program, Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth and Young Canada Works for Aboriginal Urban Youth. The transfer of the programming will allow for greater focus and coordination of federal efforts to support urban and off-reserve Aboriginal people increase their participation in the Canadian economy. (Author)