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N'Swakamok Friendship Centre
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N'Swakamok Friendship Centre
110 Elm Street
Sudbury, ON
P3C-1T5

Phone: (705) 674-2128
Fax: (705) 671-3539

E-Mail: nnfcadmin@on.aibn.com
Website: www.nswak.ca


- History -

The Friendship Centre was first established in 1967, through the efforts of the Nickel Belt Indian Club. The Directors and some of the members of the Club were actively involved in doing voluntary work such as, courtwork and referral work. By 1972, the Friendship Centre was officially incorporated under the name, Indian Eskimo Friendship Centre. The Steering Committee then hired four people, the Director, Secretary, Program Director and a trainee on the job, to work with the Courtworker. The Centre has lived in four different locations. The first was on Ignatius Street, then relocated to Douglas Street, which provided more office space. The third move took us to Larch Street. In 1982 we purchased the building at 110 Elm Street, this is now our present location. The Friendship Centre is governed by a Board of Directors, elected at an annual meeting with an open membership. Membership fees are $1 for students, $2 for adults and $3 for families. The purpose of the Friendship Centre is to assist Native people migrating to or already living in Sudbury. The Centre has developed and implemented programs and activities to serve the social, cultural and recreational needs of the Native community. Our Friendship Centre also works cooperatively with both public and private agencies in alcohol and drug abuse and legal and social services. During the past 10 years the Friendship Centre in Sudbury has developed and implemented a philosophy of community development for our program delivery. The Land Base Committee of the Friendship Centre began fundraising and planning in 1983. By 1986 the Centre purchased 64 acres of virgin land in Wahnipitae. This land base helped to build our cultural growth and awareness. We were then able to develop our programs in a way that reflects our community and our communication practices and styles. Our Friendship Centre has grown in knowledge, skills communication, space and staff. Presently we house 14 different supportive programs, host many activities and provide employment for 28 staff.
 
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