NAFC Newsletter Winter 2023

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDSHIP CENTRES

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2023

WINTER ISSUE

CONTENTS Message from the CEO

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Urban Indigenous Summit Update

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Advocacy Week

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Upcoming Events

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NAFC Staff Retreat

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President and Executive Directors Meeting

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Updates from the NAFC

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Data

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Policy and Research

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Programs

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Youth

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Mind Medicine

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Spirits of Friendship

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Submit your Photos

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Wachay Misiway, Kwe, Tansi, Tungasugit, After a very successful Urban Indigenous Summit and Advocacy Week, I feel inspired as we look towards the future of the Friendship Centre Movement. I am honoured to be a part of this movement and to work with like-minded people from across the country to ensure that urban Indigenous voices are heard. The Summit was a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together.

As we celebrate the Winter Solstice, I'm grateful for the unity and strength within our community. This year, our collective efforts have made a significant impact, empowering urban Indigenous communities countrywide.

I'm pleased to share in the successes of 2023, which were achieved through the dedication of our members, staff, volunteers, and partners. From cultural programs to community outreach, together, we're creating positive change and giving a voice to urban Indigenous people.

As we look forward to the new year, let's carry the lessons of 2023 with us and use them to improve our programs and continue our important work for urban Indigenous communities.

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all who contributed to the Friendship Centre Movement this year. Your commitment has been the driving force behind our growth and success.

May this holiday season bring you warmth, joy, and connection. Wishing you and your families a peaceful holiday season.

Jocelyn W. Formsma CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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URBAN INDIGENOUS SUMMIT UPDATE

Thank you to everyone that made the 2nd Annual Urban Indigenous Summit – Action for the Next Generation – November 27-29, 2023, a success!

We were thrilled to, once again, be able to provide a powerful platform to amplify urban Indigenous voices and foster meaningful connections. We are so grateful for the diverse perspectives shared by presenters, panelists, and attendees during our many workshops.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Elder Claudette Commanda for helping us start off the Summit on the right foot with an opening prayer and to Chief Dylan Whiteduck for the warm welcome to Algonquin territory as well as his opening remarks.

We were honoured to welcome our keynote speakers Dallas Goldtooth; Édith Cloutier; Michael Redhead Champagne; and our very own Jocelyn Formsma. Throughout the Summit, we had the pleasure of watching performances by Chelazon Leroux, Clifton Cremo, Keith Whiteduck, and Theland Kicknosway.

Once again, we were so grateful to spend the week sharing, learning, and listening to our friends, colleagues, and partners from the Friendship Centre Movement and beyond!

In the new year, the NAFC will share an official summit report and feedback with all participants.

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ADVOCACY WEEK

As an extension of the Urban Indigenous Summit, delegates and Youth Representatives from Friendship Centres across Canada worked tirelessly to bring urban Indigenous voices to the table during discussions with political parties. They raised important issues and created relationships that will help pave the way for urban Indigenous representation in policy.

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National Office Closure

UPCOMING EVENTS

The national office will be closed for the holiday season from December 21, 2023, to January 3, 2024. We would like to wish everyone all the beauty and blessings of this Sacred Season and the Winter Solstice.

Infinite Directions Webinars

The Accounting Cycle (For Board Directors) webinar – January 18, 2024, at 1:00pm EST: This webinar will help participants understand how financial information flows through different stages of an accounting cycle. The participants will learn about the different users of accounting information, the role accounting plays and the importance of accountability. During the webinar, the importance of financial reporting will be highlighted, and the participants will learn how financial information flows as a business event all the way to financial statements.

For more information, please register by clicking here.

Urban Indigenous Social Economy Forum

February 20-21, 2024 – Delta Hotel Ottawa City Centre Save the date for NAFC’s inaugural Urban Indigenous Social Economy Forum! The conference aims to celebrate urban Indigenous perspectives in the social innovation and social finance sectors. The Forum will bring together key stakeholders to mobilize collective impact and action to address historical imbalances, empower urban Indigenous social purpose organizations, and ensure that urban Indigenous peoples are at the forefront of determining their own pathways to economic and social prosperity. Visit this page for more information!

53rd Annual Meeting and Youth Forum

The Regroupement des Centres d’amitié Autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) will be our host for the 2024 Youth Forum and the Annual Meeting in Quebec City from July 18-20, 2024.

The NAFC would like to thank the RCAAQ for offering to host the NAFC’s 2024 Youth Forum and the Annual Meeting in La belle province. We are looking forward to welcoming the Friendship Centre Movement (FCM) to Quebec City from July 21-23, 2024. Additional information will be released in January 2024!

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NAFC STAFF RETREAT The NAFC national office hosted a Staff Retreat in Toronto from October 2nd-5th at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, where the staff were given an opportunity to connect and re-align their individual and organizational goals. The NAFC staff spent a wonderful week learning, laughing, and planning at our Staff Retreat. Among the many highlights of the week were the food, a presentation by Kody Doxtater on Tobacco Teachings, work on the NAFC Strategic Plan team-building activities, and many beautiful conversations with Elder Larry Frost – to name a few!

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PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS MEETING

The President and Executive Director’s (P&ED) Meeting was hosted from November 2-3rd, 2023, in Winnipeg, MB. This provided an opportunity for some strategic discussions with the NAFC Executive on Governance and aligning our priorities as a Movement.

The NAFC is embarking on a broad governance review, that includes seeking input from the PTAs and FCs regarding our collective Movement, where we see ourselves, and how we want to work together going forward.

To assist us with the next steps, the NAFC Executive discussed the following questions with participants: 1. What is good governance in the FCM? 2. What is a good practice or program from your FC or region that may help on a national level?

3. What are we doing now that we should keep doing?

4. What were some approaches and practices from the past that we should reinstitute?

5. What is the role of the NAFC in assisting and supporting the local FC’s and PTAs in their pursuits?

We were honoured to have the newly elected Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew attend the Presidents and Executive Director’s Forum dinner to extend greetings from Manitoba at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR).

Premier Kinew highlighted his commitment to fostering positive relationships with urban Indigenous communities. His presence was warmly received by everyone, and he engaged in productive discussions with all attendees, including MAFC President David Gray and NAFC CEO Jocelyn Formsma, sharing insights and perspectives on key issues affecting urban Indigenous peoples in Manitoba and nationally.

The Presidents and Executive Director’s Forum provides a forum for essential dialogue that assists in building relationships and strengthening partnerships. Friendship Centre leaders, advocates, and Executive Directors from coast-to-coast-to-coast assemble annually to collaborate, commit, and share crucial knowledge for the betterment of the Friendship Centre Movement and urban Indigenous peoples.

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UPDATES FROM THE NAFC DATA Data Strategy

A data strategy provides shared values and a common vision that guide data-related decisions. It outlines actions that will bring us from where we are now to becoming urban Indigenous information leaders. Visit our website to learn more (Data — The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)).

We are in the planning stages for a Data Gathering in early 2024. During this gathering we hope to identify key indicators that are feasible for our members to collect and that will support NAFC in advocating on behalf of our members. If you are interested in being a part of this conversation, please contact us at nafc-data@naf.ca.

Community Led Data Collection

Community Led Data Collection aims to build data capacity and expertise in the Friendship Centre Movement to ensure that urban Indigenous communities can share their stories and to support the calls to action of the TRC, UNDRIP and MMIWG2S+. NAFC has identified four priority areas in which to build data capacity: 1. Hiring and supporting data dedicated staff 2. Developing data expertise in the movement 3. Championing the value of data collection 4. Host gatherings of data experts to mature the data strategy NAFC Data launched the ‘Why We Collect Data’ campaign at the 2nd Annual Urban Indigenous Summit. This included sharing promotional materials highlighting the importance of data collection, providing opportunities for the membership to share their stories, and engaging members on how we can measure community wellness from a Friendship Centre perspective.

Bridging Across Canada

The Bridging Across Canada database application is designed by and for Friendship Centres. It empowers Friendship Centres to collect disaggregated data about their service offerings, centralizes data management, automates statistical reports and so much more. Fourteen Friendship Centres and three PTAs have already joined. The Data Team had a booth at the 2nd Annual Urban Indigenous Summit to share more information about this program.

Contact NAFC Data nafc-data@nafc.ca NAFC Data Website: Data — The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) 10

UPDATES FROM THE NAFC POLICY AND RESEARCH The NAFC Policy and Research Team is currently working on the Urban Indigenous Knowledge Nest - NAFC's Research Framework, which will be in line with the Friendship Centre Movement’s knowledge dissemination priorities.

The Research Team has been busy with research and engagements related to Housing and Homelessness. The main intentions behind these projects are (1) to assist with the creation of an NAFC Urban Indigenous Housing and Homelessness Strategy, and (2) to bring, in partnership with the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate, an Indigenous community perspective to the systemic barriers faced in housing for their report on the Encampments. Presently, we are collecting responses from members of the Friendship Centre Movement on this topic. Those who wish to participate can do so by clicking here.

We are excited to be in the initial phase of our work on Indigenous Languages. To lay a solid foundation for this project, we are doing an environmental scan of other relevant initiatives across the country. Keep an eye out for future engagement sessions on this project.

We are pleased to share that partnership with Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) has created a compendium of the research that we have produced since its inception, which can be viewed by clicking here.

The Policy Team is honoured to be collaborating with Waneek Horne-Miller as the lead an Urban Indigenous Sports and Recreation Framework. This initiative is in the engagement phase. The NAFC will be looking for volunteer advisors to assist with this work.

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UPDATES FROM THE NAFC POLICY AND RESEARCH Our team has been engaged in our Health Policy File and is currently doing engagements on End-of-Life Care and Palliative Care within the Friendship Centre Movement. The current focus is Friendship Centres that have programs and services in this area to learn about their best practices and the challenges that they face. Work has also begun to create a disability strategy as well as one focused on Autism.

In addition, there has been a focus on bringing an urban Indigenous voice to the Indigenous Health Legislation that the federal government is now moving forward with.

Our MMIWG2S+ Policy File has been moving forward in collaboration with the newly appointed National Advisory Committee. In October, the Advisory Council met in Quebec City and worked on their strategic plan for the process of creating the NAFC MMIWG2S+ Action Plan. Look forward to engagements and other forums to have your voice heard on the implementation of this plan.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is currently creating an action plan for the Friendship Centre Movement. We have incorporated directly related 2023 resolutions from members into the initial engagements for this work. You have time to contribute to this area of our work through this survey by clicking here.

The NAFC Urban Indigenous Justice Strategy is currently underway. We are in conversations with Justice Canada regarding the Indigenous Justice Strategy.

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UPDATES FROM THE NAFC PROGRAMS The NAFC Programs Team has been exceptionally busy this year, overseeing various national programs such as UPIP, Investment Readiness, Mental Health, Health Navigation, Indigenous Languages, and Employment Initiatives. Ongoing discussions between the Programs Ream and ISC/UPIP department focus on advocating for changes to UPIP terms, conditions, performance, and reporting indicators. A new UPIP logic model, collaboratively developed with ISC and NAFC, was presented at the NAFC Annual Meeting and is guiding UPIP renewal efforts for 2025. The UPIP Final Report for 2022-2023 has been submitted to ISC, and interim reporting templates for 2023-2024 were shared with PTA Technicians, with an expected submission in December 2023. NAFC also successfully secured emergency support of $1.2 million for Friendship Centres affected by wildfires, disbursed to PTAs/FCs in late August.

The NAFC coordinated an in-person PTA Technicians meeting this November in Saskatoon.

PTA Technicians and the Programs Team discussed UPIP renewal as well as UPIP performance indicators. NAFC and PTA Technicians were also able to visit AFCS, meet staff and learn more about regional initiatives.

CreateAction, concluding its fifth and final cohort in December 2023, has facilitated peer learning workshops on financial literacy, mentorship, and workplace values. Additionally, a Storytelling Lab in collaboration with StoryCentre Canada provided CreateAction youth alumni an opportunity to share their experiences.

In the realm of investment readiness, the remaining funds from the Investment Readiness Program were distributed to 20 additional Friendship Centres and urban Indigenous Social Purpose Organizations. Excitingly, NAFC is thrilled to announce the inaugural IRP conference scheduled for February 20-21, 2024, which aims to celebrate urban Indigenous perspectives in the social innovation and social finance sector. Further, NAFC has secured $4 million from Employment and Social Development Canada to support Friendship Centres in rural/remote communities for community workforce development planning.

The Indigenous Language Program (ILP), funded by Heritage Canada, opened applications on June 16, 2023, and received 34 applications from Friendship Centres nationwide. Despite strong applications, only 23 Centres received funding due to constraints. The initial 70% of funds has been disbursed, with the remaining 30% scheduled for the next fiscal year (20242025).

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UPDATES FROM THE NAFC PROGRAMS

NAFC Health Navigation Funding has been allocated to successful centres/PTAs, supporting 22 projects with a total funding of $2,552,443. The progress of the program is noteworthy, and active collaboration with the ISC team is ongoing to advocate for a long-term health navigation strategy. Comprehensive data is being shared to underscore the urgent need for this funding in urban, rural, and remote areas. Stay tuned for updates on any developments. Similarly, NAFC Mental Health Funding has been allocated to successful centres/PTAs, supporting 27 projects with a total funding of $7,196,716. Due to the extensive demand for mental health services nationwide, not all applicants were funded. Efforts are underway to rearrange resources in hopes of funding additional projects.

Despite the unfortunate conclusion of the SSLP on March 31, 2024, NAFC remains committed to maintaining relationships with government partners and urges continued investment in urban Indigenous youth. Recognizing SSLP's significance in youth engagement, NAFC continues to advocate for core funding and actively applies for designated funding in youth employment and education initiatives. For more details and access to the 2022-23 SSLP Final Report, please visit our website.

The NAFC had a very successful Advocacy Week during the 2023 Urban Indigenous Summit.

Key events included a roundtable and meet-and-greet with the Official Opposition (Conservative Party) to discuss the importance of Friendship Centres and share first-hand experiences with Members of Parliament. Following which, women from the Friendship Centre Movement attended the Equal Voice Gala, which supports women and gender-diverse candidates. Furthermore, the NAFC is co-hosted an All-Party event in support of Friendship Centres which featured keynote speakers and a meet-and-greet with Members of Parliament from all four major parties. The overarching goal is to advocate on a large scale, emphasizing the urgent need for stable, long-term investment in Friendship Centres and the development of a comprehensive urban Indigenous strategy.

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YOUTH

UPDATES FROM THE NAFC

Indigenous Youth Council Orientation September 8-10, 2023

In September, members of the NAFC Indigenous Youth Council (IYC) came together for their first orientation at the National Office in Ottawa, ON. Here, the IYC members got to meet their new council members, learn about their roles and responsibilities, participate in team building activities, and begin planning for the 2024 Youth Forum. The orientation was opened by Knowledge Keeper Vince Kicknosway who shared his wisdom and kind words as IYC members gathered from their local regions across Turtle Island.

The IYC welcomes Savannah Snow, who is the newly appointed Interim Alberta Youth Representative.

Healing Our Spirit Worldwide (HOSW) – The Ninth Gathering September 11-15, 2023

Following the orientation, IYC members attended Healing Our Spirit Worldwide (HOSW) – The Ninth Gathering in Vancouver, BC, which brought together thousands of global Indigenous leaders and health care professionals to celebrate Indigenous knowledge and cultures. This event inspired IYC members to learn more about global Indigenous cultures and traditions.

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UPDATES FROM THE NAFC YOUTH President and Executive Director’s Meeting November 2-3, 2023

The Youth Executive and Manitoba Representative of the IYC attended the P&ED meeting that was hosted in Winnipeg, MB. While in attendance of this meeting, council members had the opportunity to attend the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres (MAFC) Forum Dinner.

The presence of IYC members at both P&ED meeting and MAFC Forum Dinner help continue to strengthen their connections to the community. IYC expresses gratitude for the opportunity to attend these events.

Youth Engagement Coordinator Workshop Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres November 7-8, 2023

NAFC Project Coordinators, Leah Prisque and Aurora Ominika-Enosse attended the Youth Engagement Coordinator Workshop that was organized by the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centers (MAFC). The event brought Youth Coordinators from across Manitoba together.

In their presentation, NAFC Project Coordinators, shared and discussed best practices and strategies for effective youth engagement, as well as offering ideas on how to start youth councils within their respective Friendship Centre, Friendship Centres. Thank you to MAFC for inviting us to present. Workshops and events like these allow us to build stronger connections with the community.

Follow the NAFC Youth Team on Instagram @NAFC_IYC

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YMCA MIND MEDICINE

Is your Indigenous-serving organization in Canada looking for ways to support young people with their mental health?

Are your wellness staff looking for more resources to support young people experiencing anxiety?

The YMCA partners with Indigenous-serving organizations to deliver YMCA Mind Medicine, a sevenweek Indigenous-informed, early-intervention, mental wellness program for young people experiencing anxiety. The program is led by your own wellness staff who will receive training and funding.

Video: https://youtu.be/2P0IpcJA9rI

YMCA Mind Medicine is currently being supported though the Public Health Agency of Canada’s investment Supporting the Mental Health of Those Most Affected By COVID-19. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

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SPIRITS OF FRIENDSHIP The Friendship Centre Movement has been shaped over a period of 60 years by Indigenous leaders in communities across Canada. These dedicated Indigenous people have greatly contributed to the success and growth of today’s Friendship Centre Movement. To view the stories of Friendship Centre trailblazers, or our Spirits of Friendship, click here. We are honoured to have known them and privileged to have worked with them and to be a part of their legacy.

If you think someone should be added to this list, please send an e-mail to communications@nafc.ca with a short bio, specifically detailing their involvement in the Friendship Centre Movement and any photos you would like included.

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SUBMIT PHOTOS AND NEWS ARTICLES TO THE NAFC If you would like to submit any photos or news articles about your Friendship Centre that we can share with the Friendship Centre Movement, please send them to communications@nafc.ca.

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