Sagitawa Friendship Society

sagitawa

10108–100 Avenue
Box 5083, Peace River, AB 
Executive Director: T. Zweifel
Email: tracy-sagitawa@telus.net
Telephone: (780) 624–2443

Fast Facts

During 2006/07 the Sagitawa Friendship Society served over 2400 people.

The total population for the Peace Region is over 18,500 and the aboriginal population is estimated to be 15% or approximately 2,775 people. (Census 2001).

A Vision for the Sagitawa Friendship Society

Vision Statement: The Sagitawa Friendship Centre envisions a community that respects and accepts all people while promoting the enhancement of the quality of life of Aboriginal people through culturally based programs and services as guided by the wisdom of our elders.

Mission Statement: In partnership with community agencies and service providers, the Sagitawa Friendship Centre will provide opportunities and programs that assist aboriginal people to feel valued, supported and capable of reaching their full potential.

A Brief History of the Sagitawa Friendship Society

The Sagitawa Friendship Society was registered under The Societies Act on September 24, 1964 and became the third friendship centre established in the Province of Alberta. Sagitawa is a Cree word meaning "Where the rivers meet." The focus of our centre has not changed over the 42 year history – human development of all people with an emphasis on supporting indigenous people. Sagitawa contributes to the revitalization of Aboriginal culture and assists in developing greater awareness and understanding of Aboriginal peoples and their role in our communities; and provides social development programming to Aboriginal people so that they may live more successfully in urban areas.

We are often the first point of contact for aboriginal people new to the community and who are seeking access to programs and/or services.

Highlights of Programs and Services

  • Art and Craft Classes
  • Children - Summer Programs
  • Children- After-school
  • Community Feasts
  • Community Referral
  • Elders Wisdom Circle
  • Employment Services
  • Family Violence
  • Health Related Programs
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Diabetes
  • Tobacco Reduction
  • Historical Resources
  • Justice/Corrections
  • Language Classes
  • Literacy
  • Liaison Support
  • Recreational Activities
  • Sports and Fitness Program
  • Technology Resource
  • Women’s Programs
  • Youth Centre
  • Youth Camps
  • Youth Recreation
  • Youth Arts/Crafts
  • Youth Education
  • Housing
  • Scholarships

Thoughts on the Sagitawa Friendship Society

"The Friendship Centre is an information resource centre, a referral place, cultural happenings around town, province and country. A place where native crafts can be bought. A friendly place where I am accepted and welcomed. A place where an elder can get to attend local, provincial and even international functions. I get to travel and meet lots of old friends and make new ones. A place where my knowledge is not outdated, but needed. The FC makes me feel that I can still contribute and be useful. A place where I can share with others the most important things in my life as a native person: my language and my culture."
—Sagitawa Elder

"I can honestly say that my local FC helped me a lot growing up and had a big influence on my life today. They had a youth program started when I first got introduced to the FC. I was 16 and have been involved ever since. The program and centre offered me a lot of teachings and opportunities for personnel growth that I really needed at the time as an aboriginal youth. I’m 23 years old now and the Project Coordinator for the Ground Level Youth Centre project, the very same program that changed my life. Now I have the chance to open the doors to every youth in the community and offer the same opportunities and safe environment that I got to experience growing up."
—Sagitawa Youth

"I have been coming to the FC for about ten years. The workers here help fill us out forms (AISH or Canada Pension) and make calls for us. This is almost the only place in Town where we can use the bathroom. They have supplied us with clothes, mitts, gloves, toques and extra food when we are hungry. It is a good place to come to."
—Sagitawa Client