
The National Association of Friendship Centres acts
as a central unifying body for the Friendship Centre
Movement: to promote and advocate the concerns of Aboriginal
Peoples: and, represents the needs of local Friendship
Centres across the country to the federal government
and to the public in general.
About us - History
News & Events
OTTAWA, ON, September 26, 2008 – To date, federal party leaders have devoted very little in their campaign platforms to Canada’s fastest growing population – Aboriginal people. It is estimated that by 2031, there will be over 3 million Aboriginal people in Canada – almost 8% of the entire population. Furthermore, the Aboriginal population is becoming increasingly urban - in 2006, 54% lived in an urban centre, an increase from 50% in 1996.
In this light, the NAFC has asked federal party leaders what they will do to ensure that Canada’s First Peoples are included in the future direction of this country.
Click here to read the press release
The 2008 federal election comes at an important time for the Friendship Centre Movement. Friendship Centres have been struggling with insufficient federal core funding for well over a decade. Key federal urban programs and services are often designed and delivered with no input from Friendship Centres, which are Canada’s largest urban Aboriginal service delivery infrastructure. Tremendous challenges exist in other areas of federal jurisdiction with no targeted urban Aboriginal programming available. Many urban Aboriginal people face tremendous challenges daily with no targeted urban Aboriginal programming available in many areas of need. Making matters worse, all too often national policy processes to address these areas exclude Friendship Centres and our representatives
.
In this light, the NAFC has written the federal parties asking for their plans to address urban Aboriginal issues. The NAFC will be posting their responses to inform our membership, our clients, and the Canadian public about their options in this election.
The NAFC believes it is crucial that urban Aboriginal people participate in Election 2008, and hope that our efforts will help educate and inform urban Aboriginal people – indeed, all Canadians.
The questions asked of the parties can be found here: Federal Election 2008 Questions
National Association of Friendship Centres
Employment Opportunity – October 2008
Program Officer - UMAYC
OTTAWA, ON, September 11, 2008 –The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual for the position of Program Officer. The candidate will also be familiar with urban Aboriginal issues at the community, regional and national levels.
Click here to download the job description
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDSHIP CENTRES REACTS TO THE MEDIA PORTRAYAL OF THE CANADIAN NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE IN EDMONTON
For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, ON, August 19, 2008 –The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is disturbed by the media portrayal of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre (CNFC) in Edmonton, Alberta. Yesterday, the Edmonton Sun reported on the shooting death of a man in his mid-20’s at around 4:45 am (Sunday) just outside the CNFC.
Click here for the Press Release
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDSHIP CENTRES WELCOMES THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE BEST PRACTICES AND THE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE MODEL
For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, ON, June 27, 2008 – In light of final report of the United Nations
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues (UNPFII) 7th Session, the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is pleased to re-affirm its commitment
to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples, regardless of where they live.
Click here for the Press Release
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDSHIP CENTRES VIEWS CANADA’S APOLOGY TO RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVORS AS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, ON, June 9, 2008 – In a landmark event, the survivors of Canada’s Indian residential school system will be offered an official apology by the Government of Canada on June 11th, 2008 - a move that the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) hopes is out of good faith. Click here for the Press Release
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDSHIP CENTRES ASSERTS SOLIDARITY ON THE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2008 – In the spirit of friendship, the National Association
of Friendship Centres (NAFC) will walk in solidarity on the National Day of Action
(NDA) on May 29, 2008 to bring awareness to the current realities facing Canada’s
urban Aboriginal peoples.
Whether a First Nation, Métis or Inuit person lives on a reserve, in a rural
community or in a metropolitan area - it is imperative that the public is aware of
the second-rate treatment of Aboriginal peoples. This event will also be an
opportunity to remind the federal government of its responsibilities toward
Canada’s rapidly growing urban Aboriginal population.
Click here for more information (pdf)
Click here for the National Day of Action Agenda (pdf)
Click here for the NAFC AFCP backgrounder (pdf)
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDSHIP CENTRES REACTS TO THE CORRECTIONAL INVESTIGATOR OF CANADA’S REPORT “A FAILURE TO RESPOND”
For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, ON, May 21, 2008 – The National Association of Friendship Centres
(NAFC) is disturbed by the outcomes of an in-depth investigation into the death of
a First Nations man while in the care of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
Today, the Correctional Investigator of Canada, Mr. Howard Sapers, released an
unflattering report that illustrates the failure of CSC employees to adequately
respond to a medical emergency which ultimately resulted in death.
Click Here for more information
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDSHIP CENTRES BRINGS GLOBAL ATTENTION TO THE REALITIES OF CANADA’S URBAN ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
For Immediate Release
UNITED NATIONS, NY, April 30, 2008 – The National Association of Friendship
Centres (NAFC) welcomes the opportunity to bring global attention to the current
state of Canada’s rapidly growing urban Aboriginal population.
Click Here for more information
NAFC Report: Sheltering Urban Aboriginal Homeless People - Assessment of Situation and Needs
National 19th Annual Youth Forum
July 20-22, 2008
Delta Quebec
Quebec, QC
Document downloads:
Agenda
General Information
Promotional Poster
Letter of Credentials
AYC Positions Promotional Poster
Registration Form
For further information, please contact: Musqwaunquot Rice, Program Officer, Youth Intervenor, NAFC
Telephone: (613) 563-4844, ext. 332
Toll Free: 1-877-563-4844, ext. 332
Email: mrice@nafc.ca

NAFC 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM)
July 22-25, 2008
Delta Quebec
Quebec, QC
For further information, please contact: Melanie Vincent, AGM Coordinator
Telephone: (418) 580-4442
Email: melanievincent21@yahoo.ca
Or
Mel Maracle, Office Manager, NAFC
Telephone: (613) 563-4844, ext 311
Toll Free: 1-877-563-4844, ext 311
Email: melmaracle@nafc.ca
Both the Youth Forum and AGM will be held at the Delta Quebec. The NAFC guestroom block will be held until June 17, 2008, at which time all guestrooms not reserved will be released for general sale. The NAFC rate is $189 per night, plus applicable taxes. Please quote or refer to the NAFC guestroom block in order to receive the appropriate rate and are included in the guestroom block.
Important Documents:
37th AGM -Draft Agenda (doc)
37th AGM - Memo to Membership (doc)
37th AGM - Registration Form (doc)
37th AGM - AGM Proxy Form (doc)
37th AGM - Transportation Request Form (doc)
NAFC AGM Kit (pdf)
In the Spirit of Friendship - AGM Dedication
37th AGM - Table of Contents
37th AGM - Draft Agenda
36th AGM - Draft Minutes
36th AGM - Draft Summary of Motions
37th AGM - Code of Ethics
37th AGM - Constitution and Bylaws
37th AGM - Credentials Committee
37th AGM - Procedures Committee
37th AGM - Resolutions Committee
37th AGM - Elections Committee
37th AGM - Rules & Procedures
37th AGM - Executive Committee Report
37th AGM - Executive Directors Report
37th AGM - AYC Annual Report
37th AGM - Resolutions Report
37th AGM - Evaluation Form
37th AGM - Draft NAFC Audited Financial Statements
37th AGM - Audit Management Letter
37th AGM - 2008 Expense Claim
OR Download the entire AGM kit here
Delta Quebec
Telephone: (418) 647-17171
Toll Free: 1-888-884-7777
Fax: (418) 647-2146
Guest room reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card or advance deposit.
Further information will be distributed to the Friendship Centre Movement membership.

Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network
It is clear to anyone with an interest in urban and Aboriginal issues, that the rapid increases in off-reserve and urban Aboriginal populations have not been matched by a corresponding increase in scholarly or policy attention. Furthermore, the work that is undertaken is not always done collaboratively with members of Aboriginal communities.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SITE
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