MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Wachay Misiway, Kwe, Tansi, Tungasugit,
As summer approaches, I wanted to take a moment to wish each of you a relaxing and enjoyable season. Summer is perfect for recharging and spending time with loved ones at community gatherings, pow wows, and out on the land and water Whether you're planning a getaway or simply enjoying some downtime at home, I hope you find plenty of opportunities to unwind and have fun.
I am also happy to remind you about our 34th Annual Youth Forum (July 18-21) and 53rd Annual Meeting (July 21-23), which will be taking place in beautiful Quebec City, graciously hosted by RCAAQ. These events provide us great opportunity to bring everyone together as a movement, to continue leading the great work we do to improve the well-being of Indigenous people living in urban environments.
Let's embrace this summer with joy and enthusiasm, and I look forward to seeing you all in Quebec City!
JocelynW.Formsma
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
34TH YOUTH FORUM & 53RD ANNUAL MEETING
The NAFC’s 53rd Annual Meeting will be held at the Hilton Québec on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat nation from Sunday, July 21 and extending through to Tuesday, July 23, 2024 This year’s Annual Meeting will follow the 34th Annual Youth Forum which will be held from July 18-20, 2024.
Our host for the 34th Annual Youth Forum and the 53rd Annual Meeting is the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ). RCAAQ has been in existence for 48 years. The RCAAQ President is Philippe Meilleur and Tanya Sirois is the Executive Director They are excited to be hosting members of the Friendship Centre Movement from coast to coast to coast
All delegates/observers must register online. Online registration will be available until July 14, 2024.
Date:
Annual Youth Forum – July 18-20, 2024
Annual Meeting – July 20-23, 2024
Location:
Hilton Québec – 1100 Bd René-Lévesque E, Québec, QC G1R 4P3
For more information, and to register go to www nafc ca/events/annual-meet
WE’VE MOVED! (TEMPORARILY)
National Office has moved temporarily!!
The NAFC has moved into our temporary space at 135 Laurier Avenue West (Spaces) while our office undergoes a much-needed renovation that will help us better accommodate friends and members of the Friendship Centre Movement in the future. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to 275 MacLaren once all of our renovations are done but until then, come say hello at our temporary location.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
COMMUNICATIONS
Annual Report
We are thrilled to announce the release of our Annual Report for 2023! This comprehensive document encapsulates the hard work, dedication, and significant strides we have made over the past year at the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC).
We encourage you to read the full report to learn more about the impactful work we have done.
Read the Report
Communications Team Retreat
The Communications Team gathered to work on our communications strategy and service delivery guidelines, participate in some team building activities, as well as attending the Maniwaki Native Friendship Centres Gatineau Point of Service grand opening.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
COMMUNICATIONS
National Immunization Strategy Renewal Summit
The NAFC was invited to the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases and the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Immunization Strategy Renewal Summit to do a keynote presentation on our Auntie Cares! campaign Senior Communications Coordinator and team lead on the NAFC's vaccine communication efforts, John Paillé presented the different components of the campaign including the animated PSAs for social media and broadcast television, as well as our infographics as well is stressing the importance of including urban Indigenous peoples when creating messaging and efforts for Indigenous peoples around vaccines and other health topics.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
DATA
Data Strategy
A data strategy provides shared values and a common vision that guide data-related decisions. It outlines actions that will bring us from where we are now to becoming urban Indigenous information leaders. Visit our website to learn more (Data The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)).
We are in the planning stages for a Data Gathering in early 2024 During this gathering we hope to identify key indicators that are feasible for our members to collect and that will support NAFC in advocating on behalf of our members. If you are interested in being a part of this conversation, please contact us at nafc-data@naf.ca.
Community Led Data Collection
Community Led Data Collection aims to build data capacity and expertise in the Friendship Centre Movement (FCM) to ensure that urban Indigenous communities can share their stories and to support the calls to action of the TRC, UNDRIP and MMIWG2S+. NAFC has identified four priority areas in which to build data capacity:
Hiring and supporting data dedicated staff
1 Developing data expertise in the movement
2. Championing the value of data collection
4.
3. Host gatherings of data experts to mature the data strategy
Thank you to everyone interested in taking the OCAP course, we will be contacting you soon about getting registered If you missed out and are interested in taking the course or have suggestions for topics for future webinars or other types of training, please contact us (nafc-data@nafc.ca). Visit our website to learn more (Data The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)).
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC DATA
Bridging Across Canada
The Bridging Across Canada database application is designed by and for Friendship Centres It empowers Friendship Centres to collect disaggregated data about their service offerings, centralizes data management, automates statistical reports and so much more. Fourteen Friendship Centres and three PTAs have already joined. The Data Team had a booth at the 2nd Annual Urban Indigenous Summit to share more information about this program.
Partnerships
NAFC Data took part in the two-day workshop to co-develop the workplan for the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework Data Working Group (See – Thunderbird Partnership Foundation’s website) Representatives from six NIOs, academic institutions and the Federal Government participated. NAFC Data has also been part of the development of a new performance framework for UPIP. This group seeks to develop a performance framework that is more aligned with urban Indigenous values and address shortcomings of the previous performance framework.
Links
Contact Us – NAFC Data (nafc-data@nafc.ca)
NAFC Data Website - Data The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
POLICY AND RESEARCH
MMIWG2S+ Urban Indigenous Action Group
On May 7th & 8th , 2024, Jocelyn W Formsma & Kara Louttit (NAFC Policy Analyst), attended the MMIWG2S+ Urban Indigenous Action Group (UIAG) face-to-face meeting held in Vancouver, BC. The UIAG strategized on setting priorities and next steps to advocacy based on key themes of Funding, Capacity, Urban Reality, Culture and Healing, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ that came out of the UIAG National Summit
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
POLICY AND RESEARCH
Safe Space Gathering, Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan’s (AFCS) Safe Space Strategy aims to address and prevent gender-based violence against Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ groups in Saskatchewan through our Friendship Centres. Kara Louttit (Policy Analyst) delivered a presentation on, “The Colours of Friendship: Honouring Spaces for 2S+ & IndigiQueer Inclusivity,” the NAFC’s Gender-Based Analysis toolkit at the Safe Space Gathering held May 14th & 15th in Saskatoon, SK.
Upcoming Event:
Indigenous Justice Community Engagement Sessions
The NAFC will be engaging the Friendship Centre Movement on exploring issues related to access to justice, UNDRIP within the urban context, and lessons learned from community-driven justice initiatives Regional engagement sessions will be held throughout the summer with Friendship Centre members, leaders, Elders & Youth, frontline workers, and PTA representatives will help inform the development of an upcoming NAFC Indigenous justice strategy and toolkit.
Languages and Learning Forum: Exploring First Nations Education and Linguistic Connections
Justin attended the Languages and Learning Forum: Exploring First Nations Education and Linguistic Connections conference on February 27th to 29th, 2024 This event was held at Westin Calgary Airport Hotel, a chain that is owned by the Siksika Nation The host of the conference was held by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Justin has been working on an Indigenous languages portfolio and this trip was to support with professional development and to gain more knowledge about what is currently happening within various sectors across Canada involving Indigenous Languages.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
POLICY AND RESEARCH
Housing and Homelessness
To wrap up the engagement sessions for the Housing and Homelessness project, Gaelle led the Research Department in hosting a Housing and Homelessness Gathering in April at the Delta Hotel in Ottawa. This event featured presentations by Friendship Centers on their current projects and initiatives, along with updates on the Housing and Homelessness project led by NAFC's research team. The gathering ended with an engagement session focused on developing the NAFC Friendship Center Specific Housing and Homelessness Framework and Action Plan
The NAFC extends a big thank you to Shane Gauthier, CEO of the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, and Laurent Objick (Executive Director) and Bruno Lemieux (Director of Housing and Infrastructure Development) from the Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) Additionally, we had exciting presentations from external partners, including an overview of the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate (OFHA) report on encampments by Federal Advocate Marie-Josée Houle, and a presentation on the NICHI by John Gordon.
Policy supported the Housing and Homelessness Gathering. This event brought together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss and strategize on critical issues facing our communities The gathering provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions to address housing and homelessness challenges
Deborah’s role involved assisting in the coordination and facilitation of discussions, as well as contributing to the analysis and policy development efforts stemming from the event's findings. The insights gained from this gathering are instrumental in shaping our policies and initiatives, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the communities we serve
Sport & Recreation
The NAFC engaged with the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) in support of a developing a comprehensive national strategy for Indigenous Sport, Recreation, Physical Activity, and Traditional Practices in Canada. ASC partnered with the Firelight Group in conducting these engaging sessions.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
POLICY AND RESEARCH
National Indigenous Physical Activity & Wellness Conference Forum 2024
Justin recently attended the National Indigenous Physical Activity & Wellness Conference Forum 2024. This event was held on May 15th & 16th in Winnipeg, at the Red River College Polytech on the Notre Dame Campus. The event was co-hosted between Indigenous Physical Activity Cultural Circle (IPACC) and Shawane Dagosiwin: Aboriginal Education Research Forum department. In collaboration with policy analyst, Victoria Marchand, and Waneek Horn-Miller on a sport and recreation pilot project to be conducted in Ottawa Justin’s background in research involves youth sport so this conference fell in line with my passion toward positive youth development.
The Urban Sport Pilot Project completed their first steering committee meeting at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre hosted by Waneek Horn-Miller.
Health Sector
Victoria attended the RCAAQ Indigenous Health Governance Forum on March 20th and 21st in Quebec City, QC that brought together experts within Indigenous health to share and discuss challenges and opportunities related to health governance This was an opportunity to highlight progress and ongoing health-centered work within the Friendship Centre Movement
Over 100 people from Native Friendship Centres, partners, and networks took part in the Forum. Victoria shares, “It was ground-breaking and eye-opening the potential of health care service delivery that Friendship Centres can offer at all levels. This is powerful and will change the course of Indigenous community health”
End-of Life and Palliative Care
Continuing the work with palliative and end-of-life care, Victoria visited Vancouver Island and engaged with Victoria Native Friendship Centre and Tillicum Lelum in Nanaimo. Many thanks and raise our hands to the West Coast hospitality
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC PROGRAMS
Indigenous Languages Program
The NAFC is excited to announce the rollout of the final 30% of program funds to the centers funded in the initial stream during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
We are also pleased to share that the NAFC has approved the applications of 10 centers in the second stream of funding for the Indigenous Languages Program. Thanks to the supplementary program funds received from Canadian Heritage, these 10 centers and some previously funded centres requesting additional funds for their language initiatives will benefit from the supplementary funds.
Indian Residential Schools Commemoration Program
We are proud to announce the launch of the Indian Residential Schools Commemoration Program Indian Residential Schools Commemoration Program. This initiative funded by Parks Canada leverages our network of over 100-member Friendship Centres (FCs) and 7 Provincial Territorial Associations (PTAs) to support the commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools and address their intergenerational impacts through culturally significant projects.
FCs can apply for grants to facilitate commemorative activities such as healing/sharing circles, ceremonial and traditional activities, and the building and maintenance of memorial/commemorative markers.
The program launches on May 29th, 2024, with an open application period from May 2024 to January 2025, or until the funds are fully expended, whichever comes first.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC PROGRAMS
Investment Readiness Program
The NAFC is currently closing out the IRP, which has provided over $4.4 million in non-repayable capital to 48 urban Indigenous social purpose organizations from 2022 to 2024. Through the IRP, the NAFC continues to work alongside key partners to advocate for and uplift urban Indigenous social economies in the social innovation/social finance ecosystem. The NAFC is currently working on closing activities for the program Below are some highlights from the program!
Highlights to date:
57% of funded projects indicate they are investment ready*
Close to 80% of all funded organizations have developed and/or completed a business plan for their social enterprise
Over 70% of funded organizations believe they will be ready to apply for social finance funding in 6 months to 1 year
87% of funded organizations believe being part of the IRP has increased their investment readiness*
Community needs addressed by social enterprises include arts and culture, education and research, social services, development/housing, health, sports and recreation, and more such as community economic development, support for MMIWG2S+, employment, food security, etc
*Investment-ready, within the context of the NAFC's IRP, refers to the state of readiness and preparedness of urban Indigenous SPOS to acquire the essential skills, knowledge, and techniques necessary for successfully attracting financial investments
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
PROGRAMS
Community Workforce Development Program
The NAFC is working in partnership with the PTAs to deliver funding to up to 22 eligible FCs in rural and/or remote communities through the Friendship Centre Community Workforce Development Program (CWDP). Through this program, the NAFC will distribute approximately $4.6 million to FCs in rural and/or remote areas to pilot community-led workforce planning models to support economic diversification strategies and support inclusive growth.
Program activities will include:
Community Workforce Planning - facilitation community workforce planning by involving a range of small and medium enterprises, community organizations, public agencies, etc.
Work Placements and Training - delivering training and/or work subsidies for underrepresented individuals
Wrap-Around Supports - providing case management and wraparound supports for individuals accessing work placements/training
Capacity and Skill Building - access to a national virtual capacity building network facilitated by the NAFC
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
YOUTH
Gathering our Voices, Victoria, Victoria BC on March 19-22, 2024!
Members of the NAFC Indigenous Youth Council (IYC) attended Gathering Our Voices including Samantha Jack (Youth Executive), and Shelby Provost (Vice-President) They were also accompanied by NAFC Project Coordinator, Aurora Ominika-Enosse
During the conference, they facilitated various workshops for youth aged 14-24 years old throughout the week. The Indigenous Youth Council members led multiple sessions of "The Colours of Friendship: Honours spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ and IndigiQueer Inclusivity Toolkit."
Aurora Ominika-Enosse, led two additional workshops based on the Urban Indigenous Leadership Curriculum. These workshops focused on Indigenous Youth education, employment, financial wellbeing, and Youth Leadership Empowerment.
Youth Engagement Coordinator Workshops March 2024
In March, the NAFC Youth team was invited by the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association to participate in their Youth Coordinator meeting. During the meeting, NAFC presented "The Colours of Friendship: Honours spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ and IndigiQueer Inclusivity Toolkit".
Project Coordinator, Aurora Ominika-Enosse, helped facilitate two activities Canvas Exercise and the Word Cafe/Dotmocracy These activities were aimed at understanding the needs of youth coordinators across the province.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
YOUTH
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples April 2024
Averi Doxtator, President of the NAFC Indigenous Youth Council (IYC), recently represented the NAFC and IYC at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples Issues (UNPFII) Among the notable highlights of her trip was delivering a powerful statement alongside youth from the Assembly of Seven Generations, hosting a mini round dance for healing, and engaging with Indigenous youth from around the world.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Averi emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and connecting on a global scale, reinforcing the voices of youth and empowering advocacy for their dreams and futures.
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
YOUTH
Urban Indigenous Leadership Camp
This year we invited the previous facilitators from las week to revise and edit the existing curriculum. The ed curriculum for the next co-hort Thank you to those who
UPDATES FROM THE NAFC
YOUTH
Youth Forum
We are excited to see everyone at the 34th Annual Youth Forum set to take place in Quebec City, Quebec from July 18 to 20, 2024
Indigenous Youth Council Election Executive positions available for the NAFC Indigenous Youth Council this year are:
Vice President Treasurer
For more information about roles and responsibilities of each position and for application documents, click here.
Nelson Mayer Youth Award
Applications for the Nelson Mayer Youth Award will open June 3rd 2024 Please find updates on the Youth Forum webpage
Find out more here.
Other items
For more updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and opportunities to connect with fellow Indigenous youth, follow us on Instagram @NAFC IYC
Gender-Based Analysis Toolkit
The NAFC is excited to launch our Gender-Based Analysis Toolkit, The Colours of Friendship: Honouring Spaces for 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Indigiqueer Inclusivity.
Many Indigenous people are in need of spaces that can support their exploration of gender and sexual identities to create a better understanding of themselves. Further, the creation of safe spaces can help reduce feelings of isolation and help promote feelings of belonging by creating a stronger sense of community
The creation of this toolkit is meant to be an entry point to starting a conversation around 2SLGBTQQIA+ and gender diverse members accessing Friendship Centres, supports, and programs. In this way, we can support the advancement of gender equality and inclusion by creating welcoming and dynamic spaces
The goal of this toolkit is to be an accessible and comprehensive resource that can act as a guide to questions one might have surrounding gender and sexuality. It is also meant to be culturally informed and Indigenous centred with resources drawn from 2SLGBTQQIA+ and IndigiQueer experiences.
Read The Colours of Friendship: Honouring Spaces for 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Indigiqueer Inclusivity here
FROM THE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE MOVEMENT
Lillooet Friendship Centre Society
The Lillooet Friendship Centre Society recently received the 2024 Business of the Year Award, the Biggest Community Impact Award, and a Business Excellence Award from the Lillooet Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to the Lillooet Friendship Centre Society for being recognized for your hard work!
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association
The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association has had a busy year with the following:
The purchase of 2 new homes for Intergenerational Housing for Youth Aging out of Care, and Elders after 7 years of fundraising and raising awareness. Learn more here.
Still, We Rise; MMIW Awareness Day Event by WAGE Program Coordinator, Maddi Grier
Hosting a Baby Naming Ceremony by Doula Corina Bye
Rhythms of Healing Drum Circle by Wanda John Watch an informative video here
Path Forward Funding project by Wanda John - created several focus groups, and town halls to gather data and information from the community about their hopes, wishes and dreams for future generations. Through this project we identified gaps in services, and services that have been utilized the most in our community We developed a wishing tree, completed by community We also developed sweaters, with the data we gathered with all sales going to our elders programs.
FROM THE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE MOVEMENT
Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
Day of Friendship - June 8, 2024
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary's Day of Friendship provides an opportunity to thank the community, staff, and volunteers for all their hard work and dedication while highlighting the important work that all Friendship Centres across Canada do.
The Calgary Awards
On June 12th, The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary won The Calgary Awards' 2024 Community Advocate Organization of the Year Award, a first for an Indigenous organization.
“Last night I had the honour and privilege to accept the 2024 Calgary Awards Community Advocate- Organization Award! Thank you, Krista White Pup for the Opening Prayer. I accepted this honour on behalf of so many people who contribute to AFCC’s success. A heartfelt Thank you to the elders for their wisdom and guidance and thank you to the AFCC board for all their support, the many community partners, the City of Calgary, Mayor Jyoti Gondek Also, to all the incredible nominees who share in this commitment to community service. And importantly I must acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the entire AFCC staff and volunteers! Thank you to the Board members and Staff who were there cheering AFCC on! We all should be so proud!!! Congratulations to all the winners!”
FROM THE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE MOVEMENT
Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre - Gatineau Point of Service Grand Opening
On May 23rd, the Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre celebrated the grand opening of their Gatineau Point of Service at 241 Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes in Gatineau, Québec
The grand opening featured tours of the point of service, songs, dancing, traditional moose hide teachings, a teepee raising and teaching, and a fashion show. The point of service will serve Indigenous people living in this urban part of the Outaouais region.
Give a follow on Facebook - Gatineau - Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre
SUBMIT PHOTOS AND NEWS ARTICLES TO THE NAFC
If you would like to submit any photos or news articles about your Friendship Centre that we can share with the Friendship Centre Movement, please send them to communications@nafc ca
SPIRITS OF FRIENDSHIP
The Friendship Centre Movement has been shaped over a period of 60 years by Indigenous leaders in communities across Canada. These dedicated Indigenous people have greatly contributed to the success and growth of today’s Friendship Centre Movement. To view the stories of Friendship Centre trailblazers, or our Spirits of Friendship, click here. We are honoured to have known them and privileged to have worked with them and to be a part of their legacy.
If you think someone should be added to this list, please send an e-mail to communications@nafc.ca with a short bio, specifically detailing their involvement in the Friendship Centre Movement and any photos you would like included.
TristanNugent LawStudentIntern
AlexByrne LawStudentIntern
MelMaracle OfficeManager
JenniferRankin SeniorDirector
NAFC ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
JocelynW.Formsma ChiefExecutiveOfficer
VeronicaWemigwans ExecutiveCoordinator
ShadyHafez ProgramManager Vacant Policy&Research Manager Operations Policy&Research Programs
Vacant FinanceManager
CailinGerrard Administrative Coordinator
SunindaSharma HRCoordinator
AndrewMacumber SeniorInformation Analyst
NathanielCummings DataAnalyst
JohnPaillé SeniorCommunications Coordinator
MeganMcGrath Communications Coordinator
RileyGavan Communications Assistant
EugehneAdangwa FrenchTranslator
GregMurray FinanceCoordinator
YashiKoopla PolicyAnalyst
RoseIneme FinanceCoordinator
VictoriaMarchand PolicyAnalyst
KaraLouttit PolicyAnalyst
DeborahOladele PolicyAnalyst
GaelleMushyirahamwe ResearchCoordinator
JustinSackaney ResearchCoordinator
SavannahLaBelle SeniorProgram Coordinator
NatalieCahill ProgramCoordinator
JennaChisholm ProgramCoordinator
RufusJacobs YouthInitiatives Manager Youth
Aurora Ominika-Enosse ProjectCoordinator
OmovighoAbiri ProgramCoordinator
NohaHelmy ProjectAdministrative Coordinator