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Nishnawbe-Gamik Native Friendship Centre
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Nishnawbe-Gamik Native Friendship Centre
P.O. Box 1299, 52 King Street
Sioux Lookout, ON
P8T-1B8

Phone: (807) 737-1903
Fax: (807) 737-1805

E-Mail: mclaren@ngfc.on.ca
Website: ngfc@sioux-online.com


- History -

Two different groups of people, more than 200 miles apart came up with the same idea in the late 1960's. 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 Northwestern 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). It was incorporated in April of 1971. In January 1973, the Centre was officially opened. Native people in Sioux Lookout finally had their own place. In 1972 a building was purchased with the aid of Federal and Provincial grants and bank notes backed by the 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. In 1976, Wawatay Native communications society became an incorporated independent organization 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 organization 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 open on a drop-in basis and offers social, recreational, educational and cultural programs for all ages. Programs and Services include: Alcohol and Drug Worker, Criminal/Family Courtworker, Family Support Worker, Li'l Eagles, Native Community Development Worker, Hostel. The Centre employs permanent and part-time staff. A number of other people are hired throughout the year on short and long term employment projects.
 
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