Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres--Ontario Friendship Centres

M'Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre

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M'Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre
1723 8th Ave East
Owen Sound, ON
N4C-3C2

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Phone: (519) 371-1147
Fax: (519) 371-6181

E-Mail: finance.m.wik@bmts.com
Website: www.nativecentre.ca

- History -
First Nations' people in Owen Sound have been working since 1995 to establish a Friendship Centre in Owen Sound to serve the cultural needs of the estimated 300 families (800-1000 individuals) who live in the city. At an emotional Sunday meeting at Westside United Church in May of 1998, the congregation invited the organizers to discuss their hopes for a Friendship Centre. After a full discussion, the church offered to let them utilize the old Douglas Street Mission on 8th Avenue East. The Native people in attendance were greeted by the congregation with a warm, "Welcome home." In July 1998, organizers and Neighbours of Nawash helpers went door-to-door in the neighbourhood informing people of their plans and the objectives of the Centre. The response was positive, one person saying, “Finally, we’ll have a place to talk”. Owen Sound City Council supported the initiative by passing a by-law to allow the new use of the building. Much of the credit must go to Rozella Johnston, Justin Johnston, Ann Findlay-Stewart and Linda Thompson of the Neighbours of Nawash who, with nearly no financial support, worked to see the project realized. Chii-Miigwetch! Objectives of M'Wikwedong · To meet our need to reconnect with each other to support each other as families and as a community in an urban area.· To establish a meeting place, where our families can interact, strengthen and promote cultural programs, services, language, which will be of benefit to our children in the future. · To educate ourselves and others about what is important to Anishnabek people, such as working to establish positive relationships with others, the health of the environment. · To develop awareness and strengthen knowledge of issues important to all people. Programs currently being provided are: Canadian Prenatal & Nutrition Program, Community Kitchen, Ojibwe Language, Educational and Cultural Community Programming, Courtworker Programs, CAS Advocacy, Drug & Alcohol, and the CAP-C program. The services the Friendship Centre provides are: Resource Library, Equipment Lending, Clothing and Food Bank. The Centre also provided transportation to and from programming for doctor’s visits, treatment center, etc.