Oka increases responsibilities for friendship centers

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The newly-formed executive of the Alberta native Friendship Centers Association met in Edmonton Oct. 29.

"It's our first meeting since elections were held in September and we have lots of important issues ahead of us," says Tony Callihoo, provincial co-ordinator of the organization.

The non-profit group consists of 14 independent friendship centers throughout the province. The members of the volunteer executive each serve on the board of directors of their friendship centre back home.

They include Fred Campiou of High Prairie (president), Gladys Bigelow of Rocky Mountain Hourse (secretary), John Gladue of Bonnyville (vice-president) and Orval Belcourt of Grand Prairie (treasurer).

Although the Alberta association does receive some government funding, lack of dollars is always a problem and the executive is never sure of the yearly contribution.

We want to get governments more involved with our programs such as employment opportunities," says campiou. He says more attention must be brought to the work done by the centers so funders can be assured of their value.

Friendship centers were established to provide a warm friendly atmosphere for Native people moving to cities from impoverished rural areas.

Back in the 1950s , Indian, Metis and Inuit people came to the larger centers to improve their way of life but the cities had no provisions for the large influx of Native people.

Often the newcomers ended up with social problems similar to those they were trying to leave behind.

Today friendship centers offer educational and job training programs as well as recreational and cultural activities.

The new executive feels the increased Canadian awakening caused by the Oka crisis has given the friendship centers an added responsibility to put a calm to the issue.

"We knew there was strong racial feelings out there and now it's more out in the open. Now we know which towns we need to work on," says Callihoo.

The president also feels more emphasis must be placed on art displays and craft shows.

"Our culture needs nurturing and promoting," says Campiou.