Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre

About the Centre

The Nishnawbe-Gamik Native Friendship Centre (NNFC) was incorporated on August 4, 1971 and became a member of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) in 1973.

In the late 1960's two different groups of people of more than 200 miles apart came up with the same idea - the Rotary Club in Sioux Lookout and leaders of the First Nations in the north. The Rotarians thought Native people residing in or visiting the town should have a drop-in Centre.

The Native leaders also wanted to have a place to get together when they were in Sioux Lookout - the transportation, administrative, and social services centre for remote North-western Ontario communities.

Native leaders had another concern - that Northern First Nations communities should have a communication system through which they could contact Sioux Lookout and also communicate with each other in their own language. These two groups got together in the summer of 1970 to discuss their mutual interests. Out of that 1970 meeting was born the Sioux Lookout Fellowship and Community Centre (everyone calls it the Friendship Centre).

In 1972, a building was purchased with the aid of Federal and Provincial grants and bank notes backed by ten citizens of Sioux Lookout. Almost exactly three years after the official opening in January 1973, the Front Street building burned to the ground. The Friendship Centre continued to operate out of rented quarters and in 1978 the Fussell House Hotel - a stone structure at the corner of Fourth Avenue and King Street - became the Centre's permanent home.

In 1979, an adjoining hall was constructed and major renovations underway. The communication goal was achieved. In the mid 70's a high frequency radio telephone system was installed with a technical base in the Friendship Centre.

The Centre has also been key in important telecommunications projects. In the mid 70's a high frequency radio telephone system was installed with a technical base in the Friendship Centre. In 1976, Wawatay Native communications society became an incorporated independent organisation and changed their name to Wawatay Communications Services, which includes Wawatay News, transportations services, radio network, and TV programming.

At the Annual meeting of 1982, the members voted to change the name of the organisation to NISHNAWBE-GAMIK CENTRE - "Anishinawbe" in Ojibway/Cree meaning "Original Man" and "Gamik" identifying a place or dwelling. The Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre provides a meeting place and a friendly atmosphere for socializing or discussion. People can find out about the community and government services and other services and programs that are available. They can be directed to sources of assistance in Sioux Lookout or if assistance is required one can be directed to appropriate agencies.

The Centre is operates on a drop-in basis and offers social, recreational, educational and cultural programs for all ages.

Mission

To improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people in an urban environment by supporting self-determined activities that encourage equal access to and participation in Canadian society; and respects Aboriginal cultural distinctiveness.

Programs and Services

Akwe:go, Alcohol and Drug, Apatisiwin, Combined Courtwork, Community Action Program for Children, Community Wellness, Life Long Care, Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living, and Wasa-Nabin.