The Women of Nistawoyou

The Women of Nistawoyou

NAFC launches The Women of Nistawoyou virtual exhibit with Digital Museums Canada.

Fort McMurray, AB – The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre (NAFC) is proud to announce the launch of The Women of Nistawoyou – a project funded by Digital Museums Canada (DMC).

The Women of the Nistawoyou virtual exhibit explores the life stories of ten exceptional matriarchs who maintained the livelihoods of their communities by preserving and teaching Indigenous traditions within the traditional land of Dene, Cree and Metis people in the Borealis forest.

The regional matriarchs include Nancy Woodward, Bertha Clark-Jones, Kay Waniandy Loutitt, Dorothy McDonald, Katy Sanderson, Elsie Cardinal, Lina Gallup, Elsie Yanik, Jenny Flett and Mary Rose Pudre.

“We are proud to have the stories of our Indigenous women leaders stories shared on the Digital Museums Canada platform and encourage everyone to discover how the matriarchs of the past and present have helped shape our region and Centre into what it is today,” said Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre’s Executive Director Stacy Gillingham.

The extraordinary group of women were, and are, trappers, political leaders, social innovators, environmentalists, teachers, community developers, business owners, midwives, healers, and nurses whose daily lives cultivated expressions of their heritage and culture.

They touched lives in their communities in various ways and have preserved centuries of teachings and traditions with humility, truth, courage, honesty, wisdom, respect, and love are most exemplified.

The Women of Nistawoyou virtual exhibit is now available to view online in English and French.

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

POSTPONED: Sing-A-Long Campfire for Elders & Seniors

POSTPONED: Sing-A-Long Campfire for Elders & Seniors

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED – STAY TUNED FOR NEW DATE!

The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre invites Elders and Seniors to enjoy an evening around the campfire roasting hotdogs and making s’mores with a special appearance from the Sacred Circle Drummers and musical entertainment.

Kokhoms and Mushums are encouraged to bring their grandchildren! This is a free event. Please bring your own chair. Please note: Any change of plans due to weather will be posted on our social media accounts.

For more information, contact NAFC Elders Coordinator Ashley Russell at elders@nistawoyouafc.com or 780-792-4306.

Bingo with Friendship for Elders & Seniors

Bingo with Friendship for Elders & Seniors

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED – STAY TUNED FOR NEW DATE!

The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre invites Elders & Seniors for an afternoon of bingo. There will be many prizes to be won with light refreshments available. Dabbers will be supplied. This is a free event and no registration is required.

For more information, contact NAFC Elders Coordinator Ashley Russell at elders@nistawoyouafc.com or 780-792-4306.

Tea + Bannock for Elders & Seniors

Tea + Bannock for Elders & Seniors

The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre invites Elders and Seniors to enjoy a safe & friendly social gathering with tea and bannock. This is a free event. 

Please register in advance by contacting NAFC Elders Coordinator Ashley Russell at elders@nistawoyouafc.com or 780-792-4306.

MMEIP Support Circle – Virtual

MMEIP Support Circle – Virtual

The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre is hosting Missing, Murdered and Exploited Indigenous Peoples Support Circles virtually to support anyone with barriers to travel or who prefers to be in the comfort of their own home. Virtual sessions are open for families impacted by MMEIP and who reside in the Wood Buffalo region.

The Support Circles will be led by International MMEIP Advocate, Stephanie Harpe, and supported by Jes Croucher of Pawâmiw Creative. Participants joining virtually will need to call the NAFC office at 780-743-8555 to register by providing their email to receive the link.

Please note: All information provided prior to and during the program will remain confidential to respect all guests’ privacy.