Timmins Native Friendship Centre

About the Centre

The Timmins Native Friendship Centre (TNFC) was incorporated on February 24, 1976 and became a member of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC) on October 30, 1982.

The TNFC officially started operating in 1974 through its volunteers and founding directors - this was influenced by a large influx of Aboriginal people who were seeking employment in an urban setting and/or to attend the local education institutes. The majority of concern was with the numerous amounts of Aboriginal students coming from the surrounding coastal communities to attend the local Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools. It was generally felt by the founders of the Friendship Centre that these students be provided with a positive environment, which would reflect their academic performance in a positive way.

During the 1980's core funding was established through the Secretary of State, Migrating Peoples Program which is now funded by Heritage Canada's Aboriginal Friendship Centre Program (AFCP).

The TNFC guarantees a minimum of 50 hours a week of services with an open door policy to activities of cross-cultural significance. Through careful program selections and design, the TNFC develops and promotes the preservation of Aboriginal Cultural and Tradition.

For two consecutive years (2009-2010 and 2010-2011) the TNFC 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 Centre is open to all Non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal people (Status, Non-status, Métis and Inuit).

Aims and Objectives

• To promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of all people, with a particular interest in serving the Aboriginal community;
• To help urban Aboriginals adjust to city life;
• To provide a safe environment for urban dwellers of Aboriginal ancestry; and
• To promote and help preserve Aboriginal culture and traditions.

Programs and Services

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

Through its programs and services TNFC provides counselling and referral, cultural, educational and recreational activities.