Fort McMurray, AB – Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre (NAFC) is pleased to announce that it has received multi-year funding support from the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Indigenous Languages Component.

The Indigenous Languages Component – First Nations Languages Funding Model aims to support First Nations communities and organizations in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen their languages. The NAFC initiative aligns with the objectives of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program supporting traditional teachings of First Nations languages.

NAFC’s project will deliver vital Indigenous language support to our region, with a particular emphasis on educating local youth. The program will not only sustain our Cree Language initiative but also explore additional avenues for growth to facilitate the revitalization of Indigenous languages, specifically with the addition in the coming years of support for traditional teachings of Dene Language to our community. Moreover, it aims to bridge gaps between generations and foster connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Membership in our organization is open to all, and the program will be developed in collaboration with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in our region.

“We are immensely grateful for the support of this project from the Department of Canadian Heritage. Receiving multi-year funding will allow us to make a greater impact and focus our efforts on the areas of need identified by our community and members. We are appreciative of the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity and eagerly anticipate the growth of our Indigenous Language Program in the Wood Buffalo region,” stated Stacy Gillingham, Executive Director of Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre.

The team at Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre look forward to serving our community through this significant project and express gratitude for the continued support and friendship of our members, board, and community.

For further inquiries:
Brittany Pittman, Director of Fund Development & Communications
Phone: 780-743-8555
Email: development@nistawoyouafc.com

Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of its new president Katalin Loutitt and its new and returning board members after the membership vote at the 2024 Annual General Meeting on September 23rd 2024.

NAFC extends gratitude to the outgoing board members, nominations committee and staff for their contribution over the past year as well as preparation for the AGM.

“I am thankful for the outgoing board and their contributions this past year. Congratulations to all newly elected board members and returning board members. I look forward to working with you all in the coming year.” said Executive Director, Stacy Gillingham.

The new and returning board members for the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre Governance includes:

President:
Katalin Loutitt

Board OF DIRECTORS:
Kayla Aikins, Vice President
Joelle Erskine, Secretary
Dan Edwards, Treasurer
Carol Yayechnick, Director
Jes Croucher, Director
Larry Dewey, Director
Sarah Loutitt, Director

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to serve the community of the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre and will do my best to work together with everyone when facing new challenges and strengthen the bonds within the community.

Thank you to all staff of NAFC, for their time and efforts in operations of the centre. Thank you to the previous Board of Directors and President, for their dedication and hard work this past year. Thank you to Rhonda Robinson, for her commitment to community and wisdom shared. Thank you to all community members for being a part of the Friendship Centre Movement.

I look to the future with hope and a vision of a united community that embraces the traditional wisdom of these lands, is welcoming to all people of the community, and works together with one another to create a bright future for generations to come.” said Board President Katalin Loutitt.

The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre looks forward to working together in friendship.

For further inquiries:
Board of Directors, Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre
board@nistawoyouafc.com

Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of its new president Jessica Croucher and its new and returning board members after the membership vote at the 2023 Annual General Meeting on September 7th 2023.

NAFC extends gratitude to the outgoing board members and nominations committee for their contribution over the past year as well as preparation for the AGM.

“I want to congratulate each and everyone of you on your successful appointment to the board of directors. I look forward to working with you for the betterment of our members and community” said NAFC Executive Director Stacy Gillingham.

The new and returning board members for the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre Governance includes:

PRESIDENT:
Jessica Croucher – one year term

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Rhonda Robinson, Vice President – one year term
Melanie Walsh, Secretary – two year term
Joelle Erskine, Treasurer – two year term
Kayla Aikins, Director – two year term
Marie “Buffy” Cheecham, Director – one year term
Cecile Calliou, Director – two year term
Katalin Loutitt, Director – one year term

“As per our bylaws we utilized a nominations committee which was decided by the previous Board of Directors at the Membership Meeting on June 20th 2023. The nominations committee met several times and had the difficult decision to vet all the nominees and select two candidates for the president’s position and chose 14 nominees names for the Board of Directors position – a board member stepped down in August 2023 and 2 more names were added. After the election the newly elected Board of Directors held their first meeting where the Executive Board is voted in.” stated the Board of Directors.

“The Board of Directors shares gratitude with the membership and community for their support during the transition of leadership. As our collective focus shifts to building a strong and healthy community space, the NAFC board gently reminds everyone of our code of conduct and our zero tolerance for bullying or harassment towards any Board of Director, Staff or Member. NAFC must uphold values of being a community guided by respect, accountability, open-mindedness, cultural understanding, honesty and integrity while achieving our vision of being a cultural connected community where mutual respect and acceptance enable Indigenous people to achieve their full potential.” said Board President Jessica Croucher.

The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre looks forward to working together in friendship.

For further inquiries:
Board of Directors, Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre
board@nistawoyouafc.com

Fort McMurray, AB – The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre (NAFC) is proud to announce the funding support received from the National Association of Friendship Centres through the Investment Readiness Program.

NAFC’s project will explore providing necessary Cultural Inclusion & Diversity training within our region. The Wood Buffalo region is one of great diversity with many cultures as well as many varying Indigenous communities – ensuring our local companies, businesses and entrepreneurs are equipped to create a safe and welcoming workspace to all is vitally important for the continuous growth of Fort McMurray and surrounding communities. Once up and running this project hopes to provide consultation services, opportunities for presentations and workshops to our region, one-on-one consultations to businesses and entrepreneurs as well as opportunities for group training sessions.

“We are grateful to the National Association Friendship Centre for their generosity with this wonderful opportunity for NAFC. This support will allow us to work with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers to create training and workshops that will be available throughout our community, in local businesses, schools, organizations, and much more”, said Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre’s Executive Director Stacy Gillingham.

The initial phase of this project will include developing the necessary industry connections as well as legal and professional expertise to support the business plan. NAFC asks that local law offices, financial planners and industry professionals offering their support on this project please reach out to NAFC Director of Fund Development & Communications, Brittany Pittman at development@nistawoyouafc.com.

The team of the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre look forward to getting started on this project through the support of the National Association of Friendship Centres.

For further inquiries:
Stacy Gillingham, Executive Director
Ph. 780-743-8555
Email. ed@nistawoyouafc.com