Alberta Native Friendship Centres Assn

United with twenty Alberta based Friendship Centres, we share a common vision and goal to support and/or facilitate the delivery of exceptional services and programs that will positively impact the lives of urban Aboriginal people residing in Alberta. The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) is the Provincial/Territorial Association office of Friendship Centres in Alberta and was the first such association office to be incorporated in Canada.

Through the ANFCA, Friendship Centres unite to address common issues and concerns and form to establish the Provincial Board of Directors of the ANFCA. With this unique grassroots structure the membership of each community-based Friendship Centre, through their delegates, has an equal voice and a vote on matters that impact provincial operations.

Over the years, the ANFCA has earned a reputation as an accountable, integrity-based organization with a commitment to enhancing the range of supports and inclusion available to Friendship Centres. The ANFCA was the catalyst for the formation and ongoing support to the Alberta Aboriginal Youth Council, The Provincial Elders’ Wisdom Circle and has been key in the development and delivery of many multi-year provincial scope health prevention and awareness initiatives, the coordinator of provincial conferences on health issues and non-profit funding and the development and delivery of Responding to Diversity. The ANFCA has formed many partnerships with organizations, corporations and foundations that are committed to furthering the work of the Association and Friendship Centres.

With a progressive outlook, the ANFCA is spearheading many new initiatives that will assist in the capacity building and ongoing development of Friendship Centres in Alberta. From the implementation of a digital communications system that will virtually link all Alberta Friendship Centres, to developing a province-wide youth mentorship program and on to establishing virtual resources in the areas of HIV/AIDS. Utilizing technology is a focus for the ANFCA with plans to launch a digital resource directory of Alberta-based Aboriginal Artists to a province-wide training strategy, developing culturally based educational resources and establishing a networked virtual support system for Friendship Centre and community agencies. The ANFCA recognizes despite major accomplishments that there is still much work to be done and is honoured to play a role in improving the range and quality of services available to Alberta communities.