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Ne'Chee Native Friendship Centre
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Ne'Chee Native Friendship Centre
P.O. Box 241, 1301 Railway Street
Kenora, ON
P9N-3X3

Phone: (807) 468-5440
Fax: (807) 468-5340

E-Mail: reception@neechee.org


- History -

In 1975, there was a growing need in Kenora to assist Native people as they migrated into the urban environment. In response to community needs, a number of volunteers were instrumental in organizing practical details for a Friendship Centre, drafting a constitution, and obtaining incorporation papers. The objective of the Centre was to promote the educational and cultural advancement of Native people and to help native people bridge the gap from rural to urban living. Ne-Chee is Ojibway for "a close friend or brother". The Ne-Chee Friendship Centre was incorporated on May 31, 1976. At this time it was located at 209 Main Street South. The first directors were Sam Copenace Sr., Joe Morrison, Kitty Everson, Steve Skead, Christine Gordon, Len Hakenson and Derick Pitawanakwat. On December 16, 1977, the first Core proposal was submitted to the Migrating Native People's Program under the Secretary of State for funding from April 1, 1978 to March 31, 1979. When the Secretary of State approved the funding, the first Executive Director, a Secretary and a Juvenile Diversion Worker (Li'l Beavers Coordinator) were hired. In the spring of 1978, the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre moved to 41 Matheson Street South. The Kenora Native Women's Association had an office in the building as well as their craft shop. The Centre began to make its presence to the community. The majority of people accessing the Centre’s programs and services came from within the urban area and from surrounding communities. On August 12, 1981, the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre purchased a building on 152 Main Street South. As the public became more aware of the Centre, the volume of people increased so quickly that more space was needed to provide the needed services. On March 1, 1994, the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre moved to its present location and a larger building at 1301 Railway Street to accommodate the growing number of programs. Programs and services currently provided are: Criminal Courtworker, Street Patrol, Native Inmate Liaison Worker, Family Courtworker, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness, Aboriginal Healthy Babies, Life Long Care, Aboriginal Family Support, Drug Education and Living, Employment, Homelessness, and an Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre. The Ne-Chee Friendship Centre is now over 27 years old and continues to grow. We salute those individuals who contributed their support and time for making the Centre for what it is today.
 
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