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Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre
Friendship Centre List Demographics Programs
Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre
175 Yonge Street
Midland, ON
L4R-2A7

Phone: (705) 526-5589
Fax: (705) 526-7662

E-Mail: edirector@gbnfc.com
Website: www.gbnfc.com

- Hours -

Weekly Hours: 8:30:00 AM-8:30:00 AM

- History -

The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre (GBNFC) has from a very humble beginning evolved into an organization that has become a very important aspect of the Anishnabe in the Midland/Penetanguishene area. This area, in its present form, includes Christian Island, Tiny Township, Penetanguishene, Midland, Port McNicoll and the surrounding villages in the area. GBNFC became recognized and incorporated as a non-profit organization on July 5, 1984. We were managed by a Board of Directors, and staff volunteers. The Board of Directors consists of 9 members including 4 Executive Committee members. The Board is responsible for policy-making decision. The criteria for recognition of funding of the Friendship Centre was that we operate a minimum of one year on our own resources. Due to the date of incorporation, GBNFC was required to operate 2 full years on its own fundraising and volunteer services. We purchased a building known as 366 Midland Avenue in Midland, Ontario for our programs. During the course of that year we added 3 full time positions and 1 part time position. We emphasized and operate the Centre strictly on a "Team Approach" with the staff having the responsibility of knowing the basic goals and objectives of all the staff positions and their colleagues. Although operations began before incorporation, the Centre simply grew out of need for Anishnabe to associate with each other. We were able to accomplish this through the development of specific programs which were: Community Development Worker, Li'l Beavers Program, Youth/Social/Recreational Program, Treatment Program, Summer Prevention Program, Seniors Program, Native Language Program, Tenant Counsellor Secretary/Receptionist, Referral Services and Audio/Visual Materials, Intake Worker for Employment and Training and Arts and Crafts. Other programs were developed as the need for expansion increased on contract basis. These programs were: Computer/Word processing, Building Trade Course, PLATO Computer Based Education, Pre Employment Cooking Skills Course. We feel our youth are our leaders for tomorrow. We provide them with meaningful summer employment that will enhance their skills for other employment experiences. This includes: Researchers for Community Needs Studies, Researchers for Anti Racism Strategies, Child Care Assistants, Secretary, Bookkeeper, Housing Maintenance and Self Employment Program. The growth and expansion of the GBNFC was identified and outlined in a study conducted by Ballantyne/Branch Counsel to Recreation & Leisure Services. The Board of Directors strongly supported the need to acquire or build a larger facility that would meet the growing needs of our membership. Through 2 years of hard work and determination, we overcame various barriers that made our dream a reality. We now own a building that will house our new and expanding programs. Our new facility is 10,000 square feet and is located at 175 Yonge Street.
 
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