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Young musicians
Students at Music Language Studios perform Webster’s Royal Celebration at the Mission Registered Music Teachers Assocaition student concert at Cedar Valley Mennonite Church on Nov. 21.
BOB FRIESEN PHOTO
Friendship Centre ‘in difficulty’ Aboriginal centres association places designation on local facility Tyler Olsen MISSION RECORD
The Mission Friendship Centre (MFC) has been “placed in difficulty” by the provincial organization that oversees such centres following complaints from former employees and members. In September, two banned members protested outside the centre and a petition was circulated calling for a special meeting to address con-
cerns regarding management of the facility. The Record reported that former employee Kristopher Eriksen said he was banned in late 2012 after requesting the British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) – which oversees 25 such centres around the province – to investigate the Mission centre. He alleged unfair hiring practices and said the number of services
offered by the centre had decreased. Earlier this month, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s APTN Investigates broadcast a documentary on the centre and the issues raised by members, including Eriksen. The friendship centre – which is located on First Avenue and partially funded by the Canadian government – hosts cultural programs, offers a daily hot meal during the week, and
provides addiction counselling. MFC executive director Grace Cunningham confirmed this week that the MFC had been designated to be “in difficulty” by the BCAAFC. The designation requires MFC management to sign a document and pledge to work with BCAAFC to address some of the concerns. A program review committee made up of other friendship centre staffers has also been struck to work
with the MFC. Cunningham said the centre has formed committees in four areas – public relations, finances, bylaws, and human resources – which include members and staff. She said the centre is working “to address the challenges head-on as a means to build capacity.” The aim is to create stability and focus on the needs of the centre’s clients. CONTINUED ON 5
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