A national group representing more than 100 service centers for Indigenous populations in urban areas is uncertain about the federal funding it will receive in the upcoming fiscal year. Pamela Glode-Desrochers, president of the National Association of Friendship Centres and executive director of Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax, expressed concerns about the potential impact of funding uncertainty on essential social service programs provided by friendship centers.
Since 2017, core funding for the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres has been supported through the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP) program, scheduled to conclude in March 2026. Glode-Desrochers mentioned that while funding is anticipated to continue, the details of the program’s future remain unclear, causing apprehension among friendship centers.
Friendship centers play a crucial role in delivering services to over one million urban Indigenous clients annually, offering a sense of community and support. Glode-Desrochers emphasized that these centers serve as a vital space for Indigenous individuals, providing various programs ranging from housing and employment services to education and justice initiatives.
Approximately 90% of NAFC’s funding originates from the federal government, which is then dispersed to provincial friendship center associations. Celeste Hayward, executive director of the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, highlighted the challenges of planning without a clear understanding of future funding allocations.
In response to concerns, a statement from Indigenous Services Canada confirmed that friendship centers will receive funding in the upcoming fiscal year. The statement outlined a new distribution model for ongoing annual program funding amounting to $27.5 million, with the National Association of Friendship Centres and Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres being the primary recipients.
Budget 2024 pledged $60 million over two years to support friendship centers, with UPIP contributing over $70 million in 2024-25 to the nationwide network of 120 friendship centers. The reassurance of continued financial support aims to alleviate uncertainties surrounding the future operations of friendship centers and their invaluable services to urban Indigenous communities.