Friendship Centres

Dotted across the province of Alberta are twenty Friendship Centres quietly working to improve the lives of urban Aboriginal people in their communities. As part of their mandate, Friendship Centres welcome all community members regardless of place of origin or status to partake in their services and programming. This sense of inclusively has earned Friendship Centres the reputation of a caring culturally driven community organization that is committed to improving the social, economic and educational opportunities available in their region.

Bound together with a common vision, Alberta Friendship Centres are members of the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association and the National Association of Friendship Centres. The strong history of the Friendship Centre Movement began in the late 1950’s in response to the number of Aboriginal people migrating to urban centres from remote and reserve locations. Over the years Friendship Centres have evolved from a safe place to meet and get referrals to autonomous, community-driven organizations, each with a mandate to address the needs of their community members. Building on success, Friendship Centres are well established, accountable, grassroots community organizations that are volunteer board driven.

As each Friendship Centre is autonomous and is responsible to respond to needs as identified by their community, the range of programs and services offered varies greatly. From accredited alternative schools to daycares and on to youth centres and employment programs to homeless shelters and cultural camps to life skills programs; Friendship Centres are frontline service providers and community supporters.

Culturally appropriate services, supports and programs are offered by local Friendship Centres in the following Alberta communities:

  • Athabasca
  • Bonnyville
  • Calgary
  • Cold Lake
  • Edmonton
  • Edson
  • Fort McMurray
  • Grande Prairie
  • High Prairie
  • High Level
  • Hinton
  • Lac La Biche
  • Lethbridge
  • Lloydminster
  • Peace River
  • Pincher Creek
  • Red Deer
  • Rocky Mountain House
  • Slave Lake
  • St Paul