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How to Become a Friendship Centre in Alberta

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Joining the Friendship Centre Movement

Steps to Membership

Friendship Centres are essential cultural hubs that support Urban Indigenous Peoples. They provide culturally-appropriate services providing a safe and accepting place for Indigenous Peoples. The application process for Friendship Centre designation and ANFCA membership consideration, is multifaceted and will require the careful consideration of interested community groups.  Membership does not guarantee access to program or operational funding. 

In order to be considered as a group who can put forth a membership application, the following criteria must be met:

Incorporation and Governance

  • Must be Indigenous-led.
  • Demonstrate the values of the Friendship Centre Movement.
  • Be representative of the local Indigenous community, serving all Indigenous Peoples, regardless of status.
  • Be in an urban centre with a minimum population of 500 Urban Indigenous Peoples.
  • Show adequate financial stability to operate community programs and services.
  • Not be within 50 km of an existing Friendship Centre.
  • Obtain a letter of support from the nearest Friendship Centre.
  • Obtain three letters of support from community organizations and an Indigenous person.
  • Must be incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta and have operated under an elected Board of Directors for at least two years.

Application Process

  • Contact ANFCA to discuss interest and receive an application package.
  • Prepare application package and submit for review and action of the ANFCA Executive Committee.
  • Provide supporting documentation, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, a detailed history of the organization, and financial statements for the prior two consecutive years. 
  • Submit a letter of intent to seek membership to the ANFCA Executive Committee.
  • Pay a non-refundable application fee of $2,500, which will be applied to the initial membership fee if accepted. 

Review and Approval

  • The ANFCA Executive Committee reviews the application.
  • If approved, the application is advanced to the ANFCA Board of Directors for consideration.
  • A presentation by the delegate application committee will be required at a duly convened Board meeting.
  • The application is presented at the ANFCA AGM for ratification by the membership.

Membership and Dues

  • Once ratified, the organization becomes a full member of the ANFCA.
  • ANFCA will support the application to the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC).
  • Annual membership dues are required for both ANFCA and NAFC.

Note: Membership does not guarantee funding.

Get Started

Contact ANFCA to start your application process.

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