The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre

OVER 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COUNTING

**The First North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, 1974**
The NBIFC opened at the corner of 3rd and Cassells Street in 1974. While the centre officially opened November 23rd, programming was already underway in advance of the opening.

The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (NBIFC) has been a vital hub for Indigenous culture, support, and community building for over 50 years. Since its founding in 1974, it has provided essential programs, cultural activities, and social services, fostering connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

With a strong focus on tradition, education, and wellbeing, the Centre continues to uplift individuals and families, ensuring a thriving and inclusive community. After five decades of service, the Centre remains committed to empowering future generations while honouring the rich heritage of the past.

It is important to note that there is no Anishinaabemowin word for ‘art’ in the western context of what art means. To Indigenous people, embellishment and decoration imbue everyday items with spirit and express stories, personal kinship, messages, teachings, and so much more. We understand and honour the objects in our everyday lives, as a tree or animal has given itself to allow our people to thrive.

The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is sharing a large number of items from their cultural room, and other spaces in the Centre—in its 50 years in North Bay, so many incredible artisans and knowledge keepers have donated to our collection, which allow our Urban Indigenous people to remain connected to the methods of making our traditional and not-sotraditional item.

**The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre 10th Anniversary, 1984**
The 10th anniversary of NBIFC was celebrated with the largest pow wow of the year featuring the NBIFC Drum Group along with the Nipissing and Otterhead Drum Groups. Indigenous artwork was also on display

**Indigenous Friendship Centre Program**
The NBIFC has programming for all ages, and this little one was participating along with her family to learn how to make shakers, which are used in ceremonies. The facilitator of the workshop enjoyed spending time with the tiny learner.
*Photo Courtesy of the NBIFC*

**Language Carriers and Speakers from the “The Bringing Back the Languages” Conference**
This conference has been growing for the past two years. Celebrating the diverse Indigenous cultures that can be found in our city, we gather to share and learn together. The photo below is of all the Elders, knowledge keepers, and facilitators who presented during the 2025 conference, which over 130 people attended.
*Photo Courtesy of the NBIFC*

**2024 Orange Shirt Day at the North Bay Kiwanis Bandshell**
*Photo Courtesy of the NBIFC*

Did You Know…

Over 80% of Indigenous people in Ontario do not live on reserves; most can be found in city centres, which is why Friendship Centres like the one in North Bay are so important.
Indigenous people contribute over $305 million annually to the local economy.
Indigenous people represent over 10.5% of the local population.
The NBIFC was founded in 1974 when a group of Indigenous citizens felt that a space to carry on Indigenous activities and just to socialize with each other was needed, as many had moved to North Bay for better opportunities.

**The Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow Wow**
This event has been running for over 17 years in North Bay. Now held at Lee Park the first weekend of June each year, this event showcases styles of pow wow dancing and regalia, over 50 Indigenous vendors, sunrise ceremonies, a sacred fire for offerings, and so much more.
Other annual events include: Red Dress Day — May 5th, Indigenous Peoples Day — June 21, Orange Shirt Day — September 31, Community Dinners, Art Show, Indigenous Winter Market
*Photo Courtesy of the NBIFC*

Remember When…

“Growing up at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre in the late 1980s as a “Little Beaver” was a transformative experience that shaped who I am today. The Little Beaver program was a special initiative designed for young children, offering a space where we could connect with our culture, learn about our traditions, and develop valuable life skills. I spent countless hours with the Elders, absorbing their wisdom, stories, and teachings. Those moments spent with them, listening to their guidance, instilled a deep respect for our heritage and community. As I grew older, the Centre became a second home, and its impact on my life has been immeasurable.

Today, as a board member of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, I am honoured to give back to the organization that played such a significant role in my upbringing. The knowledge and strength I gained through the Centre’s programs continue to resonate with me. Now, I own my own business, Resilient Inuk Creations, where I create and share meaningful, culturally inspired art and products. I also work for the Federal Government, where I’ve been employed for over 13 years. Additionally, I’ve built a platform as a verified content creator with over 330,000 followers across all social media platforms, where I use my voice to advocate on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit all while sharing my culture and inspiring others. The foundation the Friendship Centre provided has been instrumental in my journey, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities it has given me.”

Vanessa Brousseau

Resilient Inuk

The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre

OVER 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COUNTING

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