Friendship Centres work hard to bring elders' voices to forefront
- EFN Staff | April 24, 2014
The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan recently gathered elders from all over the province's friendship centres to participate in a forum. The staff at AFCS knows that engaging Elders is pivotal in helping designing programs, especially culturally based programs, at the friendship centres around Saskatchewan. The gathering was held over a nice relaxing weekend at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
The first day included speakers John Lagimodiere, owner of Aboriginal Consulting Services, and Howard Walker, a well known powwow announcer and speaker. Lagimodiere presented topics on Aboriginal history, the Indian Act, Treaties and Aboriginal terminology. Walker then presented some of his experiences and stories within the Friendship Centre movement. They finished the day off with a dream catcher making workshop which many of the elders mentioned they really enjoyed.
"The group gathered in a circle discussion to give us feedback on how to get the provincial elders' circle developed," said Gwen Bear, Executive Director of AFCS. "As well, we heard many of the concerns and challenges they go through within their communities. AFCS will be working towards developing this elders' group/circle in order to have our elders' voices at our table and to make sure their issues and challenges are being heard. They will also be guiding us on how to revitalize culture within our organization as well as within the friendship centres."
Friendship Centres have been active in Saskatchewan since 1963 and since then the movement has grown within Saskatchewan to encompass 11 Friendship Centres who are part of the 119 member National Association of Friendship Centres.
The AFCS advocates for and represents Saskatchewans Friendship Centres.