Atikokan Native Friendship Centre

History of The Centre

The Atikokan Native Friendship Centre was first established in 1983, through the efforts of the Atikokan Metis and Non-status Indian Association. By this time, the Directors and some of the members of the Association were already actively involved in doing volunteer work, such as referral, advocacy and recreation programs out of a member's home.

On January 10th, 1983 two Aboriginal people were employed (under the umbrella of the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances) through a grant from the Canada Employment Commissions to locate and establish an office (226 O'Brien Street), to provide services to the Aboriginal people, fund raise to cover program costs and to promote their efforts to the community.

The Atikokan Native Friendship Centre was accepted for incorporation as a non-profit, charitable organization on November 4th, 1983. The organization was well on its way to becoming a popular community organization and was then able to operate without further guidance from the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances.

The following year, the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre identified a need to relocate and expand its operations, because of increase requests for services from the growing membership. This growing need enabled the Friendship Centre to approach government, once again for operating funds.

In October 1984, the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre was granted membership into the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC); a membership continued today.

In 1985, funding was approved by the Secretary of State for three positions: Executive Director, Secretary/bookkeeper; and, a Referral Worker. The search began for a larger office and in July 1985, the Friendship Centre moved to 200 McKenzie West. Although the new office was an improvement, the Friendship Centre soon discovered that additional staff were required.

In the late fall of 1986, the Friendship Centre lobbied to receive two provincial programs - the Native Community Development worker and Neighborhood Support Services program (for a Youth Coordinator). With this expansion of services and a larger staff, a search for more spacious facilities began.

The Long Range Planning Committee looked at a number of locations to house the Friendship Centre. As a result of the committee's actions, the Friendship Centre was able to purchase "Park Theatre". The Friendship Centre secured funding to renovate the "Park Theatre" through Canada Employment and the Native Community Branch. The funding provided a training opportunity for eight Native Community members and two other non-native members for a period of 52 weeks.

The renovations started in February of 1987; the building was completed by extending the services of five of the trainees in the late fall of 1988. The Friendship Centre moved into the building in October 1988 while minor improvements were still being made. The renovations meant staff would have individual office space, there would be recreation area and a drop-in area.

In 1994, the Aboriginal Family Support program was implemented at the Centre. This program, funded by Health Canada, also includes an Assistant to the Family Support worker.

In 1995, the position of Aboriginal Health Outreach Worker funded by the Province was added, However, in December 1995, two provincially funded programs, the Community Development Worker and the Native Support Worker, were discontinued.

In January of 1996 the provincially funded program Aboriginal Healing & Wellness; was implemented at the Centre, with the Life Long Care Program being added in October 1996.

In June of 2000, the Nutrition/Prenatal Worker started with this program we now offer services for all ages from prenatal to seniors.