Grande Prairie Friendship Centre

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10507–98 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4L1
Email: gpfriend@telusplanet.net
Telephone: (780) 532–5722

Fast Facts

In 2006/07 the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre served 54,215 people.

The most recent population statistics show that the Grande Prairie region is home to 13,120 Aboriginal people (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit).

A Vision for the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre

Vision Statement: An Aboriginal organization enhancing the quality of life of urban Aboriginal people and the community as a whole, while promoting understanding and respect for traditional Aboriginal culture.

Mission Statement: Working with partners and community agencies, the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre will provide leadership and leadership opportunities that will improve the well-being and self-reliance of urban Aboriginal people and the community as a whole.

A Brief History of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre

Established in 1965, the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre exists to administer and implement programs to meet the needs of Aboriginal people either migrating to cities or living in them, at the same time bridging a cultural gap between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community. The Grande Prairie Friendship Centre is governed by an independent, policy-setting Board of Directors. To meet the demands for services and the long-range objectives of self-sufficiency, the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre operates four locations: Administration Centre & Bingo Hall; Program Centre; Campus Location at GP Regional College and FUTURES Employment Services.

Highlights of Programs and Services

  • Aboriginal Headstart Program
  • Academic Upgrading
  • Addictions Support
  • Advisory Boards
  • Art and Craft Classes
  • Bullying
  • Children - Summer Programs
  • Children- After-school
  • Children-Cultural
  • Children-Recreational
  • Children- Arts/Crafts
  • Community Development
  • Community Feasts
  • Community Referral
  • Conferences (Annual Spirit Seekers Youth Conference)
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Cultural Camps
  • Cultural Programming
  • Daycare
  • Early Intervention
  • Economic Development
  • Elders Wisdom Circle
  • Employment Training
  • Employment Services
  • FAS/FAE
  • Family Violence
  • Food Bank (Referral to food bank; free clothing donation room)
  • Health Related Programs
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Tobacco Reduction
  • Other, specify
  • Historical Resources
  • Museum
  • Homelessness
  • Housing
  • Human Rights
  • Language Classes
  • Literacy
  • Liaison Support
  • Lifeskills Support/Program
  • Pre-school
  • Post Secondary Education
  • Recreational Activities
  • Retreats
  • Social Worker
  • Sports and Fitness Program
  • Technology Resource
  • Women’s Programs
  • Youth Centre
  • Youth Camps
  • Youth Recreation
  • Youth Arts/Crafts
  • Youth Education

Thoughts on the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre

"I like it, if the Friendship Centre was not here I would miss it in my life. It’s a place of friendships. People are warm and friendly and it’s a good feeling to know it’s here."
—Rita Johnson, Grande Prairie Senior

"Friendship – caring dedication of people working hard to better the community and the organization."
—Ethel Badger, Grande Prairie Senior

"When I first came to Grande Prairie I knew no one and the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre gave me a place to find friendships."
—Yoko Gillett, Grande Prairie Senior

"The work I do here voluntarily gives me a chance to help those who need it but also gives me a place where I can go to when I also need it. This support I find is without a doubt one of the most important things that anyone can have, young or old and without it many of us can and will fall through the cracks."
—Jennifer Tourangeau, Grande Prairie Youth, On UMAYC

"For the past 4 years, I have been using the Outreach Centre at the Grande Prairie Regional College. The Outreach Centre has provided me with a comfortable place to study, computers to do my work, and a place to meet new friends, I am now in my second year Business Administration and have made many friends in the Outreach Centre from around Alberta and throughout Canada. Meeting new people in the Outreach Centre has allowed me to network for the use of my studies and possible future business connections. The atmosphere in the Outreach is very friendly and comfortable. I feel that I am part of a small outreach community and this has contributed to my success."
—Darrel Patenaude, Grande Prairie Youth