Friendship Centres in AB, BC benefit from supports, partnerships

In two provinces, friendship centres have received dedicated supports and funding that will enable them to better support their local communities. A $10.35M grant from the Government of British Columbia will support the BC Association of Friendship Centres as they expand access, education, and training opportunities for Indigenous youth across the province. The funding will be used to enable approximately 500 more Indigenous youth to attend the Gathering Our Voices event each year for the next five years, as well as to support education and training workshops. In Alberta, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology has partnered with the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association on a multi-year retrofitting project that will lead to more energy efficient Friendship Centres around Alberta. The partners will also hold a series of summits, as well as educational, training, and engagement events to build awareness of the need for climate action.