New location for CNFC high on ED’s agenda

Since being appointed executive director at Edmonton’s Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Adam North Peigan has been a busy man! The process of rebuilding the organization and exploring more centrally-located properties has taken up his time.

But North Peigan is confident CNFC is on its way to becoming a reputable Aboriginal agency in the city of Edmonton once again.

 “I’ve been there before,” said the Blackfoot man from Piikani First Nation in southern Alberta where he served on band council for several years. Prior to that, he helped rebuild the Aboriginal Centre of Calgary, which had been forced to close because of internal problems and lack of funding.

“I felt that the city of Calgary was missing a major organization. We formed an Aboriginal committee and the bylaws and constitution were revisited, and new policies developed,” he said. “Once we were once again incorporated as a society we worked with the Aboriginal urban community to get it re-established and funding was restored.” He then served as president for five years, by which time it was operating successfully and once again making a difference in the lives of the southern city’s Aboriginal population.

“Here in Edmonton, we need to build up some strong leadership again, having experienced some tribulations recently. My goals include re-establishing it as a delivery agency for programs and services and also to relocating,” said North Peigan. Currently they are situated in an industrial park near 149th street in northwest Edmonton.

 “When I started here on July 4, one of the first things the board asked me to do was to get the friendship centre more centrally located, and we’re very optimistic that by the end of the year we’ll be out of here and in a more accessible place.”  He added that he has already viewed several properties that have promising possibilities.

“Once we’re moved into a new facility, I’m looking at program development and enhancement. We have a few things running already through a partnership with Reach Edmonton to deliver cultural programs throughout the school calendar year,” he said.

 Cree language and drumming classes are just two of the programs being offered currently, with the Elders being included.

“It’s been an interesting journey, and I’m definitely looking at this as a challenge, but I thrive on a challenge,” said North Peigan. “I’ve got a good reputation for meeting them head on and being successful.”

Happily married with four children, he recognizes the importance of cultural activities. With CNFC looking forward to celebrating 50 years of service in 2012, he said that a lot of hard work and dedication on behalf of himself and his great staff will see the facility running well again.

“When I came here they were already in the process of putting together a very successful program for the Aboriginal pavilion at Heritage Days in August.  They are very competent and dedicated and together we are very committed to seeing CNFC once again a vibrant facility.”