en - MEDIA RELEASE: NAFC hopeful for commitment to Friendship Centres and urban Indigenous communities
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2021
NAFC hopeful for commitment to Friendship Centres and urban Indigenous communities
OTTAWA – The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) congratulates Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada for their successful campaign and for receiving support from voters in Canada for a new mandate. The NAFC looks forward to continuing our work with the Liberal government to support urban Indigenous communities.
The NAFC commends the Conservative Party, NDP, Bloc Québecois, and Green Party for their hard-fought campaigns and welcomes both the returning and new Members of Parliament. We look forward to continuing the conversations and actions that we started before the election and starting new dialogues. NAFC also acknowledges candidates Robert Doucette, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Friendship Centre and Jenna Chisolm, NAFC Board Youth Executive, for their campaigns.
“We look forward to getting back to work. Friendship Centres have been going over and above throughout the pandemic, providing food, shelter, and cultural supports, among other activities. However, we have done so without any confirmed funding beyond March 2022.” stated Jocelyn Formsma, NAFC executive director, “A federal commitment to Friendship Centres and urban Indigenous communities will be on the top of our list going into this new federal mandate. Investing in a well-resourced Friendship Centre network will be an effective way to help Canada to build back better.”
The Friendship Centre Movement is the single-most important urban Indigenous service provider network in Canada. Friendship Centres are ready to engage and remain a strong national partner to ensure that urban Indigenous people have access to equitable, flexible and reliable services. We look forward to connecting with the new government.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Bridget Bowman
Communications, Policy and Research Manager
The NAFC represents over 100 local Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations in every province and territory in Canada (except Prince Edward Island). Friendship Centres are urban Indigenous community hubs that provide a wide range of programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people living in urban, rural, and northern communities. Collectively, Friendship Centres are the largest and most comprehensive urban Indigenous service delivery network in Canada.