Our Provincial Committees

Collaborating for Community Empowerment

ANFCA’s Provincial Committees bring together dedicated community members, Friendship Centre leaders, and advocates to address key priorities and drive meaningful change. Rooted in shared values and a commitment to Urban Indigenous communities, these committees foster collaboration, amplify voices, and ensure that programs and initiatives reflect the needs of those we serve.

ANFCA’s provincial standing committees are vital to our long-term vision, delivering continuous oversight, strategic and cultural guidance, stability, and good governance that propel our mission forward.

ANFCA Executive Committee

ANFCA’s Executive Committee holds delegated authority from membership to fulfil critical leadership and decision-making roles that support the organization to move forward in a timely and transparent manner. Its primary purpose is to oversee that the goals of the organization are being achieved in a cultural and ethical manner and that the Association is implementing and upholding bylaws, policies, and legislative Acts. ANFCA Executive members represent the interests of the Association and its members. This elected leadership ensures that ANFCA is a trustworthy steward of public funds and is accountable to the members, funders, and that community voices are well-represented in decision-making.  ANFCA’s Executive Committee is composed of an elected President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, National Board Representative, National Youth Representative, and an appointed Provincial Elder.

Alberta Indigenous Youth Council (AIYC)

Originally established in 1996, the council was renamed the Alberta Indigenous Youth Council in 2022. Comprising of enthusiastic Indigenous youth representatives from across Alberta Friendship Centres, the council gathers to provide a youth perspective in ANFCA governance and activities, engage in cultural events, develop leadership skills, and participate in province-wide training and initiatives, such as the Rise Up Youth Initiative designed to inspire, empower, and engage Indigenous youth across Alberta. Through leadership development, cultural celebration, and skill-building opportunities, it seeks to uplift young Indigenous voices, nurture their potential, and create pathways for future success.

Each member Friendship Centre has the opportunity to appoint a youth representative to attend ANFCA meetings and actively participate in provincial events and activities.

Elders’ Wisdom Circle (EWC)

Originally created to incorporate Indigenous wisdom and teachings into ANFCA’s HIV Awareness initiative, the Elders’ Wisdom Circle became a standing committee in 2000. Made up of Elders and Knowledge Holders from member Friendship Centres, the EWC plays a crucial role in preserving cultural continuity and offering guidance as part of ANFCA’s governance. They provide support through cultural, spiritual, and traditional knowledge to ANFCA, the Board, and Friendship Centre leaders and members. Through mentorship, they also share their teachings with younger generations, nurturing leadership, resilience, and a positive sense of Indigenous identity.

Standing Committees

ANFCA’s standing committees include the Governance Committee, who consider laws and best practices affecting bylaw development, the legal requirements to conduct effective business, and assist in the oversight of the development of governance policies and procedures. Additionally, the Finance and Personnel Committee upholds the best policies, procedures, and operational practices to ensure the most effective stewardship of public funds ensuring legal compliance, and financial accountability.

Administrative Committees

ANFCA administrative committees contribute to and provide guidance on ANFCA initiatives, including environmental sustainability efforts through the Green Committee, the TRC and UNDRIP Committee, with a mandate to increase awareness and inform the ANFCA on matters related to reconciliation, and the GBV Committee who undertake a meaningful role in helping guide ANFCA in addressing gender-based and sexual violence. These administrative committees play a vital role in shaping action, fostering collaboration, and advancing meaningful change.