Atikokan Native Friendship Centre

About the Centre

The Atikokan Native Friendship Centre (ANFC) was incorporated on November 4, 1983 and became a member of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centre (OFIFC) in October 1984. Its founding directors are: John Allan Pelletier, Elaine Margaret Barr, Bernice Agnes Lemieux, Kitty Rochelle Miller, and Arthur Donald Thomas.

Prior to its incorporation, referrals and programming were being provided by volunteers through their own homes. The Atikokan Métis and Non-Status Indian Association and United Native Friendship Centre were also pivotal in supporting the ANFC in its beginning stages.

During the 1980's, access to funds and manpower became a priority for the ANFC. Through its continuous effort funding began to flow in from various levels of government. The ANFC was able to relocate and increase its manpower which included an Executive Director, Secretary/Bookkeeper, Referral Worker, Native Community Development Worker, and Neighbourhood Support Services program (for a Youth Coordinator).

Generated funding was used for renovations on "Park Theatre" which provided training opportunities to community members (both native and non-native members). The ANFC eventually moved into the building at the end of 1988.

Throughout the 1990's, the Aboriginal Family Support, Health Outreach, Community Development, Aboriginal Healing & Wellness, and the Life Long Care Program were established and implemented.

In the 2000s the Nutrition/Prenatal Worker, Akwe:go and Wasa Nabin programs were established. The centre now offers programming for all ages, from prenatal to seniors.

Aims and Objectives

• To carry out programs consistent with those of a non-profit charitable organisation for the social, cultural, educational and economical advancement of the Native people.
• To inform the general public of Ontario the aims and objectives of the ANFC and to secure the co-operation of Non-Native communities in our struggle for identity and recognition in Canadian society.
• To assist Native people of our area in organising activities for community involvement while still maintaining their Native identity.
• To co-operate with all other Native organisations whose aims and objectives are similar to those of the Centre.
• Generally to assist in the improvement of existing programs and services designed to meet the special needs of the Native people in the Atikokan area.
• The ANFC shall be located in Atikokan, Ontario until such time that a majority vote of the general assembly shall determine otherwise.
• The ANFC will make all visitors feel welcome and comfortable at all times.
• To train our workers in basic listening skills, also referral service pertaining to mental disorders, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, etc.
• To supply and render services of a charitable nature to Native people.
• To provide, operate and maintain a drop-in facility for Native people.
• To provide services and programs geared to aiding Native people adjust to an urban way of life while retaining a sense of identity.
• To employ staff for the attainment of said objectives.
• To maintain communications with other Friendship Centres, the Provincial and National organisations of Friendship Centres, other Native and Non-Native organisations in such a manner so as to not disrupt the operation of these organisations or the objectives of the ANFC.

Programs and Services

Akwe:go, Canada Prenatal Nutrition, Community Action Program for Children, Community Wellness, Health Outreach, Life Long Care, Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living, and Wasa-Nabin.

Through its programs and services the ANFC provides crisis intervention, education and awareness on the health care system and health issues (with a focus on diet and exercise), and violence within the Aboriginal community. The ANFC hosts cultural events (i.e. pow wows, fish fry days, and arts and crafts); and participates in community events (i.e. bass classic tournament, Christmas and Halloween bazaars, and drug awareness pancake breakfasts). Finally, the ANFC also has a small resource library which includes publications on Aboriginal culture and history, physical and mental health and environmental topics.