As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we have made together and share our vision for the year ahead. The past few months have been filled with inspiring milestones, from the launching of our Program Renewal Campaign to our impactful participation in Bell Let’s Talk Day 2025 These achievements demonstrate the power of collaboration and our unwavering commitment to supporting Urban Indigenous communities across Canada.
This year, we have exciting initiatives on the horizon. Our partnership with Elections Canada aims to help increase civic engagement among Indigenous voters. Additionally, we are gearing up for our participation at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, where we will advocate for the inclusion of urban Indigenous perspectives in global policy discussions
Health and research remain key priorities in 2025. We are thrilled to co-host the Urban Indigenous Health Gathering in May, bringing together leaders to shape the future of Indigenous health governance. The establishment of the NAFC Research Centre will further strengthen our ability to drive data-informed policy and programming
Our youth remain at the heart of our movement. The Indigenous Youth Council is diligently preparing for the 2025 Youth Forum: Strength in Diversity, Power in Unity, a theme that perfectly encapsulates the resilience and leadership of Indigenous youth across the country.
I know that today’s political environment is uncertain and we are all unsure of how things will roll out But, I want us all to remember that we are not alone We belong to a strong and united Movement that is led by people with passion for building community and compassion for each other’s struggles. Instead of falling to despair, let us turn to each other in friendship. As we continue this journey, I invite you to stay engaged, share our initiatives, and lend your voice to the Friendship Centre Movement. Your support fuels our progress, builds pride, shares strength, and together we will make 2025 a year of transformation, advocacy, and growth.
With gratitude and determination,
JocelynW.Formsma
35th National Youth Forum
The National Association of Friendship Centres is pleased to announce our 35th National Youth Forum in Brandon, Manitoba. Proudly hosted by the Brandon Friendship Centre, this year's theme, "Strength in Diversity, Power in Unity," celebrates the diverse identities and experiences of Indigenous youth and the collective strength that comes from shared experiences and collaboration. We look forward to another year of networking, learning, and connec
Dates: Annual Meeting: July 25-26, 2025
Location:
Victoria Inn – 3550 Victoria Ave, Brandon, MB R7B 2R4
For more information, go to www.nafc.ca/youth-forum
54th Annual Meeting
The National Association of Friendship Centre’s (NAFC) 54th Annual Meeting will be proudly hosted by the Brandon Friendship Centre in Brandon, Manitoba.
Dates: Annual Meeting: July 27-29, 2025
Location:
Victoria Inn – 3550 Victoria Ave, Brandon, MB R7B 2R4 For more information, go to www.nafc.ca/annual-meeting
The National Association of Friendship Centre’s (NAFC) is excited to announce our 3rd Annual Urban Indigenous Summit. This year theme is “Paths Forward: Strengthening Urban Indigenous Futures.”
Dates: December 9-11, 2025
Location:
The Westin Ottawa - 11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa ON K1N 9H4
Tel: 613-560-7000
www.nafc.ca/summit-25
We invite submissions for presentations and workshops that align with the Summit's theme – Paths Forward: Strengthening Urban Indigenous Futures. Focusing on urban Indigenous capacity building, knowledge sharing, and action planning. Sessions are anticipated to be one hour long. Two or more presenters with similar themes may be placed on a panel.
Submission Requirements:
A topic and description of your presentation (max length: 200 words)
Presenter(s) biography (max length: 100 words)
No more than 2 presenters per submission Click
Advocating for the Future: NAFC Program Renewal Campaign
The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) launched the Program Renewal Campaign in the Fall of 2024 to advocate for long-term government funding, ensuring Friendship Centres continue providing essential, culturally relevant programs and services for Urban Indigenous people across Canada
As we enter the next phase of the campaign, we are excited to introduce new materials, including an infographic video, a broadcast ad, and a strong call to action to support the Friendship Centre movement. We encourage everyone to continue sharing key messages and campaign materials to maximize awareness and engagement.
To find out more about the campaign, go to nafc ca/support-the-fcm
Celebrating Success: Bell Let’s Talk Day 2025
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bell Let’s Talk for inviting the NAFC to participate in this year’s campaign This initiative was a resounding success, raising an incredible $1,605,770 through the text-to-donate program. Thanks to the generosity of Canadians and Bell, each of the six participating organizations, including the NAFC, will receive $267,628.33 to support mental health initiatives.
Special thanks to NAFC President Kelly Benning, Youth Executive Samantha Jack, and Indigenous Youth Council (IYC) President Averi Doxtator for their impactful representation of the NAFC on national platforms such as The Social, This Morning, ETalk, and Ottawa at Work.
Our collaboration with Elections Canada is in full swing as we work to increase voter participation and awareness, particularly among Indigenous communities We will soon be launching communications materials to encourage civic engagement, and we invite those interested in election involvement to attend a virtual session to learn more.
Are you an interested in learning how to get involved with federal elections? Sign-up to receive information from the NAFC here
Friendship Centre Map
The NAFC has a new Friendship Centre Movement map with the help of graphic designer, Leticia Spence. The new map includes the newest Friendship Centres in Canada including Yorkton Indigenous Friendship Centre, Enjimaawinjiidiyaang, and Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest
Take a look here!
Data Governance Gathering
NAFC’s first Data Governance Gathering took place on November 4-5, 2024, in Membertou First Nations Community, Nova Scotia. Delegates from across the National Association of Friendship Centres gathered to discuss data governance issues and co-develop the NAFC’s Data Collection Strategy Senior Staff from the National Office facilitated discussions on governance priorities, standards, and goals. The outcomes of this gathering will inform the design of the NAFC’s National Data Collection Strategy, set to be presented to the Board of Directors and PTA Executive Directors in March.
On November 6-7, 2024, the NAFC hosted a Bridging Across Canada user gathering in Membertou This meeting provided an opportunity for lead users to strengthen relationships, share challenges, and explore solutions. Insights from this event will shape the development of supportive standards and the Bridging Across Canada work plan.
Additionally, the Data Team participated in Indigenous Services Canada’s engagement on external data-sharing policies and attended Statistics Canada’s Indigenous People’s Survey results engagement The team remains actively involved in the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework data working group and recently joined an advisory committee developing data literacy tools for First Nations health leaders.
The NAFC remains committed to advancing Indigenous data sovereignty and ensuring that Indigenous-led data strategies continue to inform policy and program development
What Have We Been Working On?
The Data Team has been actively advancing NAFC’s strategic goals. Here’s an update on our latest efforts:
Expanding Data Accessibility: We are working to make our data more accessible to NAFC staff and members by developing online web tools and knowledge-sharing resources. Currently, we are preparing a fact sheet that examines how different definitions of urban Indigenous populations impact population estimates. If there are data topics you’d like us to explore, please reach out.
Developing a National Data Collection Strategy: Following our first Data Governance Gathering in November 2024, we are finalizing a summary report and the first edition of NAFC’s National Data Collection Strategy, which will be presented to the Board of Directors and PTA Executive Directors in March
Expanding the National Database: The Bridging Across Canada database now includes 18 sites, including three PTAs and the National Office. With the addition of Kole Peplinskie to our team, we are strengthening our engagement efforts to expand access, collaborate with PTAs, and seek funding opportunities. The first edition of the database’s supportive standards will soon be released in partnership with Membertou Geomatics.
Enhancing Data Management: Our team continues to assist NAFC departments with data collection and management. Recently, we provided evaluation support for the Data Governance Gathering and the Indigenous Languages program Based on feedback from the Data Governance Gathering, we are also developing engagement data standards
Ensuring Data Security: Protecting our data is a top priority We are mitigating cybersecurity risks through staff training on phishing threats, incident response protocols, and the adoption of cybersecurity insurance and IT solutions.
Our work is guided by a commitment to Indigenous data sovereignty and ensuring that our data informs strong, community-driven decision-making.
MMIWG2S+ Update
NAFC Executive Committee member Alicia Buckley and Senior Policy Analyst Kara Louttit attended the National Indigenous-FederalProvincial-Territorial (IFPT) meeting on MMIWG2S+ in Ottawa on January 29-30, 2025. The gathering brought together Indigenous leaders, government officials, family members, and advocates to advance the Calls for Justice and address systemic violence.
Discussions focused on data collection gaps, the Red Dress Alert Pilot Project, and Indigenous-led efforts to combat human trafficking. Participants emphasized the need for standardized data, increased support for Indigenous organizations, and funding for 2SLGBTQQIA+ healing spaces. The meeting reinforced commitments to strengthening the MMIWG2S+ National Action Plan and ensuring ongoing Indigenous leadership in these efforts
Advancing Indigenous Rights: NAFC at the United Nations Permanent Forum
The NAFC will be attending the Twenty-fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in April 2025. We are proud to announce that we will be hosting a side event at the forum, highlighting the importance of urban Indigenous inclusion in policy development and global advocacy. Stay tuned for updates on our thematic submissions and key discussions.
Health: Urban Indigenous Health Gathering 2025
The NAFC, in partnership with the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Quebec (RCAAQ), will host the Urban Indigenous Health Gathering in Montreal on May 28–29, 2025 This event will bring together over 60 health leaders from the Friendship Centre Movement to develop a framework addressing Indigenous health resolutions passed at the 2024 Annual Meeting.
Research and Innovation: NAFC Research Centre & UAKN Book
The NAFC Research Department is making significant progress toward establishing a dedicated NAFC Research Centre. We have released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to finalize the Research and Ethics Framework and are working to form a Research Committee to support this initiative.
Additionally, the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) is developing a book as an extension of the UAKN Compendium (2023), highlighting key research areas and future considerations for urban Indigenous communities.
Funding Updates & Key Events
The NAFC continues to advocate for essential funding, ensuring Friendship Centres (FCs) and Provincial/Territorial Associations (PTAs) can effectively support their communities. Key funding updates include:
Indian Residential Schools Commemoration Program (IRSCP) Extension: The spending deadline has been extended to June 15, 2025 Applications are open until May 15, 2025, with limited funds available. Click here for more information.
Minor Infrastructure: The 2025 UPIP Minor Infrastructure Funding is now open for Friendship Centres to submit applications. Click here for more information.
Reclaiming Our Voices: Urban Forum on Indigenous Languages
The NAFC hosted the Urban Forum on Indigenous Languages on February 12–13, 2025, in Gatineau, Quebec. Over 170 guests from across Canada gathered to celebrate Indigenous language revitalization efforts Attendees participated in workshops, storytelling and knowledge sharing sessions emphasizing the importa commu
Indigenous Youth Council (IYC) Updates
The Indigenous Youth Council (IYC) held its first in-person meeting since the 2024 Youth Forum in Halifax, Nova Scotia (October 18–20, 2024). Discussions included:
Developing a Community Agreement and planning for the 2025 Youth Forum Reviewing the newly introduced Safety Policy Touring the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) and learning about its programming
The IYC is actively working with the NAFC Communications Team to establish a youth-focused social media presence and finalize details for the 2025 Youth Forum: Strength in Diversity, Power in Unity.
Spotlight: IYC Member Hinauri Nehua-Jackson Wins Miss Queen Alberta
Congratulations to Hinauri Nehua-Jackson, an Indigenous Youth Council member, for being crowned Miss Queen Alberta in the Personality Pageants competition! Hinauri’s platform, Truth with Action, focuses on truth and reconciliation, engaging Canadians and Indigenous communities in the 94 Calls to Action. We are incredibly proud of her advocacy and leadership
National Council for Reconciliation Board of Directors
Congratulations to the newly appointed National Council for Reconciliation Board of Directors!
A special recognition to Édith Cloutier, Executive Director of the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre and Secretary of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), for her unwavering dedication to urban Indigenous communities Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering reconciliation and building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
We also acknowledge Peter Dinsdale, former Executive Director of the NAFC, whose longstanding commitment to Indigenous advocacy and community development will be invaluable to this new role. Additionally, we recognize the other appointees as friends of the Friendship Centre Movement, whose collective leadership and experience will help advance reconciliation across the country
We look forward to the important work ahead for this board in strengthening relationships and fostering meaningful change.
About the National Council for Reconciliation
The National Council for Reconciliation will be an independent, Indigenous-led, non-political, not-forprofit organization whose purpose is to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people in Canada
National Council for Reconciliation Board of Directors' biographies Click here!
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.
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.
