N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre facts for kids
The N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre is a special place in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. It helps Indigenous peoples of Canada who live in the city or are moving there. This Friendship Centre creates and runs programs and activities that support the social, cultural, and fun needs of the Indigenous community in Sudbury. It's a welcoming hub for everyone.
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What N'Swakamok Means
N'Swakamok is a word from the Ojibwe language. It means 'where the three roads meet'. This was the original name for the area where Sudbury is today. It's a meaningful name that connects the Centre to the land's history. Nearby are the Whitefish Lake Reserve and Wahnapitae First Nation, showing the deep Indigenous roots of the region.
How the Centre Started
Early Beginnings in 1967
The N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre first began in 1967. It was started by people from the Nickel Belt Indian Club. They wanted to help Indigenous people in Sudbury. They worked hard to support the community, including helping with court matters and connecting people to services they needed.
Becoming Official in 1972
In 1972, the Friendship Centre became officially recognized. It was first called the Indian-Eskimo Friendship Centre. A group of 11 people helped guide the Centre. They hired staff, including a director and a program director, to help run things. The Centre moved a few times to bigger places, from Ignatius Street to Douglas Street, and then to Larch Street.
Finding a Permanent Home
The Centre found its current home at 110 Elm Street in Downtown Sudbury. They bought this building in 1982. In 1983, they officially changed their name to the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, using the traditional Ojibwe name.
Goals of the Friendship Centre
The N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre has important goals:
- To bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together. This helps everyone understand each other better through shared activities.
- To help Indigenous people express themselves and become leaders. The Centre offers programs and services to improve their social and economic lives.
- To study what Indigenous people need and plan services with them. This involves working with both public and private groups.
The Centre is guided by a Board of Directors. These leaders are chosen by the community at yearly meetings. Becoming a member is affordable: $1.00 for students, $2.00 for adults, and $3.00 for families. The Centre also works with other organizations to offer support. It creates programs that fit the community's unique ways of communicating and living.
The N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre has grown a lot over the years. It has more knowledge, skills, and staff. Today, it offers 14 different helpful programs and employs 28 people. Some of these programs include:
- Aboriginal Courtwork Program: Helps people understand court processes.
- Literacy Program: Helps with reading and writing skills.
- Employment Program: Helps people find jobs.
- Aboriginal Family Support Program: Offers help to families.
- Community Support Program: Provides general support to the community.
Centre Activities
Community Development
For the past 10 years, the Friendship Centre has focused on building up the community. In 1983, a special committee started raising money and planning. By 1986, they bought 64 acres of land outside Sudbury. This land helps the community grow culturally and learn more about their heritage.
Annual Celebrations
The N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre hosts an annual powwow at Bell Park. This big event celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day and brings hundreds of people together. They also host special gatherings to remember loved ones and celebrate lives.
Every Child Matters Walk
Every year on September 30, the Centre hosts an Every Child Matters Walk. This walk is part of the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It's a very important day to remember and honor Indigenous children.
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