Ininew Friendship Centre

About the Centre

The Ininew Friendship Centre was incorporated on November 19, 1974 and became a member of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) in 1975. Its founding directors are: Marie Theresa Hall, Joseph Thomas Sackaney, Alice Anne Doris Louttit, Jacob Rupert's House Diamond, Marvin Gerald Lawrence Mountney, Richard Robert Moore, and Laughton Oconnel Binns.

The Ininew Friendship Centre grew initially out of the efforts of the Cochrane Métis and Non Status local group. Their efforts in the early 1970's were supported by the OFIFC when they asked the Cochrane group to implement a Court work program. The Cochrane committee undertook and supervised this program in 1972.

In 1974, after two years of successful operation, the OFIFC assisted the Cochrane committee in applying for and seeking Core Funding from the Secretary of State. The Li'l Beaver Program emerged out of this funding. The Centre began on a path towards steady growth and service to its community. The Centre was first located in a car showcase area before it purchased its own building in 1979.

Following a fire in 1983, a new building was built with funds raised by the Centre. The new Centre opened in 1984.

The surrounding communities that the Ininew Friendship Centre serves upon request are: Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Attawapiskat, Peawanuk, Fort Severn, Smooth Rock Falls, Kapuskasing, Hearst, Constance Lake, Hornepayne, Timmins, Foleyet, Chapleau, Iroquois Falls, Montieth, Matheson, Kirkland Lake and Haileybury.

Aims and Objectives

• To develop, expand and preserve Aboriginal cultural identity through the institution of social/health programs, life skills programs, recreational events, gatherings and any other such functions that enhance the quality of life of all persons of Aboriginal ancestry in the Cochrane area.
• To provide information, communication, and interpretation services to persons of Aboriginal ancestry whenever required.
• To provide a meeting place and milieu in which Aboriginal Persons may freely interact, socialize, learn and pursue cultural awareness.
• To organise and supervise recreational, social, educational, remedial advocacy and alternative justice activities for the young people of the community.
• The Centre shall employ persons who are knowledgeable in various fields to carry out the programs of the Centre.
• The Corporation shall train and employ Aboriginal persons whenever possible to fill positions of responsibility at the Centre.
• To pursue, receive and disburse funds as necessary and in a fiscally responsible manner to achieve the objectives of the Corporation.
• To encourage and promote social fellowship and mutual understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons and to strive for equality and opportunity for all persons regardless of race or ethnic background.
• To pursue programming development in the areas of economic development and job creation that will provide enhanced quality of life for our youth and provide stability of the financial position of the Centre.
• To initiate fund-raising activities that will enhance the effectiveness of the programs of the Centre and provide stability of the financial position of the Centre.

Programs and Services

Akwe:go, Alcohol and Drug, Alternative Secondary School, Apatisiwin, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, Children's Mental Health and Addictions, Combined Courtwork, Community Action Program for Children, Community Wellness, Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth, Life Long Care, Health Outreach, Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living, and Wasa-Nabin

Through its programs and services Ininew Friendship Centre also operates the Gah-Be-Shoo-In (Aboriginal Men's Shelter), and Mee-Quam Youth Residence. The Centre hosts cultural and fundraising events, and gatherings throughout the year. For more information, please visit their website or contact them directly.