History

During the 1950s, there was a large number of First Nations People migrating to urban centres. Because of the negative transition problems that most were encountering, a plan to establish urban Native Friendship Centres was formulated. The federal government, acting in partnership with First Nations Peoples, searched for a proactive way to help Natives deal with the onerous task of adjusting themselves to a foreign social environment.

At the end of the 1950s, with the opening of Centres in Vancouver and Winnipeg, the Friendship Centre dream was a reality. These provided the prototypes for future Centres across the country. Halifax’s Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center opened its Harris Street doors on September 17, 1973. Since then it has moved twice and currently resides at 2021 Brunswick Street, suite 209.

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is 1 of 126 Friendship Centres.

Historical Timeline

Overview of Centre

The Society opened its doors on September 17, 1972, and was incorporated June 02, 1973. The Annual General Assembly will represent the 40th Anniversary for the Society this year. It is one of one hundred and nineteen Friendship Centres across Canada. The Society is a non-profit, board governed organization that currently operates twenty two programs. Each program is mandated to deliver its core service, but are also supported in developing proposals for projects and initiatives that expand and enhance programs and services in innovative ways.