AFN Forges New Ties With Friendship Centres

AFN Forges New Ties With Friendship Centres

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 12:44

The Assembly of First Nations has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Friendship Centres.

Both groups say the agreement is a first step in getting the friendship centres involved in AFN policy development on urban issues.

They also hope it will pave the way for a better relationship between the two organizations.

Representatives of the friendship centres protested outside the meetings last November that led to the Kelowna Accord — a deal signed by the AFN and other Aboriginal groups.

The friendship centres weren’t invited, and they let it be known they didn’t want urban Aboriginal people left out of the process.

AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine says his organization recognizes the important service delivery function of the friendship centres. He also says they are a major source of culturally-appropriate services.