N'Swakamok Friendship Centre

About the Centre

The N'Swakamok Friendship Centre (NNFC) was incorporated on December 18, 1972 and became a member of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) on February 25, 1973.

The NNFC was first established in 1967 through the efforts of the Nickel Belt Indian Club. By that time, the Directors and some of the Members of the Club were already involved in voluntary work such as courtwork and referral work.

In 1972, the NNFC was officially incorporated under the name "Indian-Eskimo Friendship Centre". In October 1972, a Steering Committee which consisted of 11 people hired four (4) staff; the Director, a Secretary, a Program Director and a Trainee.

To this day, the NNFC has had four previous locations. It was first located on Ignatius Street , which was a one room establishment. It then moved to Douglas Street , which provided more office space. It was also located on Larch Street. Due to the growing needs of the Aboriginal community, the Friendship Centre moved to our present location on Elm Street .

The NNFC purchased it current building in 1982 which now provides adequate space to efficiently serve the Aboriginal community.

In 1983, the NNFC officially changed its name to N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre which translates into "where the three roads meet".

The NFC is managed by a Board of Directors which is elected by the membership. The Friendship Centre has an open membership and is open to any person or group wishing to join.

For two consecutive years (2009-2010 and 2010-2011) the NNFC has received the "Model Friendship Centre Award" from the OFIFC. The award recognises outstanding achievement in governance, administration, fiscal management, and cultural relevance among other factors.

The purpose of the NNFC is to assist Aboriginal people migrating to, or already living in, the Greater City of Sudbury. The NFC has developed and implemented programs and activities that serve the social, cultural and recreational needs of the Aboriginal community.

Aims and Objectives

• To provide a medium for the meeting of Native and non-Native people and the development of mutual understanding through common activities;
• To stimulate and assist Native self expression and the development of Native leadership by providing assistance in the implementation of programs and services which provide opportunities for Native people to improve their social and economic status;
• To assist and encourage the study of Native needs and the planning of services with Native people and both public and private agencies;
• To provide assistance to Native people newly arrived in Sudbury so that they may orient themselves to their new urban environment;
• To assist and encourage Native people to contribute ideas and skills to the social, cultural and economical development of Native society; and
• To assist in the identification and stimulation of interest in characteristics unique to Native culture, including, arts and crafts, folklore, cultural tradition and all other aspects of Native heritage.
• The above objectives will be carried out subject to the terms of The Mortmain and Charitable Uses Act and The Charitable Gifts Act, for the purposes aforementioned, to enable the acceptance of donations, gifts, grants, legacies and bequests. The Corporation shall be carried on without the purpose of gain for its members and any profits or other accretions to the Corporation shall be used in promoting its objectives.

Programs and Services

Akwe:go, Alternative Secondary School, Apatisiwin, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, Child Nutrition/Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Community Action Program for Children, Community Career Development, Community Mental Health Development, Community Wellness, Criminal Courtwork, Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth, Family Courtwork, Healthy Babies Healthy Children, Homelessness Partnering, Life Long Care, Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living, and Wasa-Nabin.

For detailed information pertaining to the programs and services please visit the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre website www.nfcsudbury.org.