About Lac La Biche Canadian Native friendship Centre
The Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association incorporated as non-profit society under the Alberta Societies Act in 1986, as part of the National Friendship Centre Movement to provide off reserve Indigenous service delivery infrastructure for the urban Indigenous demographic.
Under the guiding principles of Empowerment, Engagement, Networking, and Cultural Identity, the Friendship Centre has assisted urban Indigenous people to access vital and culturally appropriate services to succeed in urban environments.
In 2009 the Centre became registered as a Canadian Registered Charitable organization and has now provided programs and services for the past thirty five years.
The Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association is a connecting point for individuals and families in accessing social resources, cultural programming, information, and assistance with referrals to other supporting agencies and institutions. Programming at the CNFC is provided free of charge to all members in the communities of Lac La Biche County and surrounding areas, and includes family support (including access to the food bank), educational support, youth services, and more.
MANDATE
In the spirit of wahkohtowin (kinship), we work to make the most of Creators’ gifts. The Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre connects patrons to Indigenous culture, stories and teachings of the Cree and Métis peoples of the area, while addressing the service need gaps existing within the community.
MISSION
Bettering the community through an array of culturally sensitive programs, services and businesses for all walks of life.
BELIEFS
We believe sacred teachings are our foundation.
We believe in the healing power of education and the arts.
We believe in the resilience of individuals and families.
We believe cultural diversity strengthens our community.
We believe professional integrity promotes honour.
VISION
"We are a culturally connected, recognized and respected first line of inquiry serving the diverse peoples of Lac La Biche who holistically embrace positive relationships."
HISTORY
- Volunteers establish Centre in 1986
- Awarded a grant of $3,500.00 and office furniture donated by Alberta Vocational Centre
- 1 of only 2 Friendship Centres in Alberta allowed by the Federal Government to use the word Canadian in its title
- 1990 First Friendship Centre in Alberta to receive operational funding from the province as a pilot project for three years
- 1993 Partnered with the Northern Lights School Division to establish and house a New Opportunities School for youth requiring different learning surroundings in order to succeed
- 1994 Purchased existing lakeview property through volunteer fundraising efforts
- 1 of the founding members of the Lac La Biche Bingo Association
- 1995 Volunteer hours (over 1000) renovated new building which required replacing of the cement floor
- 1996
- Celebrated 10th anniversary with the 1st Round Dance held in the community of Lac La Biche
- Organized Multicultural Event for Winter Games
- Developed and maintained Youth Drop In Centre for the community of Lac La Biche.
- Centre lobbied during this period for recognition by the Federal Government of financial support to the Lac La Biche Friendship Centre
- 2001 Centre closed its doors for a period of six months; due to limited financial support and exhaustion of volunteer hour
- 2002 Core Funding secured
- 2004 Centre steps up to the deliver the community food bank.
- 2005 partnered with AADAC in the first Tobacco Reduction Program in the community of Lac La Biche and initiated no smoking by-law
- 2006 Centre owns its building outright
- 2009 Centre is a Registered Canadian Charitable Organization
Centre is now a growing organization operating more than five full time programs and offering countless services to the community ranging from counselling to job supports.