The Friendship Centre was first established in 1967 through the efforts of the Nickel Belt Indian Club. By that time, the Directors and some of the Members of the Club were already involved in voluntary work such as courtwork and referral work.
In 1972, the Friendship Centre was officially incorporated under the name “Indian-Eskimo Friendship Centre”. In October 1972, a Steering Committee which consisted of 11 people hired four (4) staff. The Director, Secretary, Program Director and a Trainee on the job.
To this day, the Friendship Centre has had four previous locations. It was first located on Ignatius Street , which was a one room establishment. It then moved to Douglas Street , which provided more office space. It was also located on Larch Street . Due to the growing needs of the Aboriginal community, the Friendship Centre moved to our present location on Elm Street .
The Friendship Centre purchased this building in 1982 which now provides adequate space to efficiently serve the Aboriginal community.
In 1983, we officially changed our name to N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre which translates into “where the three roads meet”.
The Friendship Centre is managed by a Board of Directors which are elected by the membership. The Friendship Centre has an open membership and is available to any person or group wishing to join.
The purpose of the Friendship Centre is to assist Aboriginal people migrating to or already living in the Greater City of Sudbury. The Centre has developed and implemented programs and activities that serve the social, cultural and recreational needs of the Aboriginal community.
Our Vision
The N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre is a wholistic, healthy indigenous community centre which promotes culture, language and well-being in a balanced way.
Our Mission
N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre is commited to preserving language and culture, enhancing quality of life and empowering family and community by providing supports, services and partnerships for the Aboriginal community in urban setting.
Aims & Objectives
To provide a medium for the meeting of Native and non-Native people and the development of mutual understanding through common activities.
To stimulate and assist Native self-expression and the development of Native leadership by providing assistance in the implementation of programmes and services which provide opportunities for Native people to improve their social and economic status.
To assist and encourage the study of Native needs and the planning of services with Native people in both public and private agencies.