BGC Canada and NAFC sign MOU to promote reconciliation and support youth ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Canadian Business Journal

OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BGC Canada (formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Canada) and the National Association of Friendship Centers (NAFC) work today to foster mutual reconciliation and partnership opportunities I signed the memorandum. Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth nationwide.

Through this MoU, the two organizations commit to joint advocacy, sharing tools and training, and promoting opportunities for indigenous and non-indigenous youth to learn from each other and work together to be engines of reconciliation in their communities. increase. BGC Canada and NAFC are committed to working with member bases of local clubs and friendship centers to expand truth and reconciliation activities, including but not limited to youth empowerment and employment, children’s rights, and the involvement of women in the economy. network of , and summer programming.

The signing takes place ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and directly addresses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Call to Action #66. TRC Call to Action #66 establishes multi-year funding for community-based youth organizations to provide federal programs on reconciliation and establish national networks to share information and best practices I am asking for

“As a former Youth Council member of the Friendship Center movement, I understand firsthand the value of youth programs and the difference they make to the lives of young people. We will continue to support actions to recommit ourselves, governments and partners to champion the rights of urban Indigenous children and youth across the country. Learn from each other and support both Youth Councils in order to increase respect, understanding and interaction among young people NAFC and our network of Friendship Centers bring together the best of urban Indigenous youth across the nation. We are on the front lines and constantly working to build capacity, leadership and provide mentorship through youth-led programs, vocational training and related wraparound support. We are optimistic to partner with BGC Canada to advocate for a brighter future.” – Jocelyn Formsma, Executive Director, NAFC

“BGC clubs across the country are proud to partner with the NAFC to advance reconciliation and provide similar opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. and committed to ending the systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous communities.” – Owen Charters, President and CEO, BGC Canada

Media inquiries:

bridget bowman
Communications, Policy, Research Manager, NAFC
[email protected]

The National Association of Friendship Centers is a national network of Indigenous-owned and operated civil society, nonprofit, and service delivery organizations across Canada. Established in 1972, NAFC represents a growing number of Friendship Centers at the national level. Acting as the body of the Friendship Center Movement (FCM), NAFC represents a network of over 100 Friendship Centers and Provincial and Territory Associations across Canada.

With the influx of Indigenous urbanization beginning in the mid-1950s, the Friendship Center arose out of a clear need for culture-based services to support Indigenous newcomers to the city. With increasing demand for the services of City Indigenous peoples, Inuit, Métis, Increased number of Friendship Centers and their programming nature and Expanded services. As the majority of Indigenous peoples in Canada live in urban settings, the Friendship Center fills an essential gap in service delivery as one of the few organizations directly addressing the needs of Indigenous urban peoples in a model that includes status. increase.

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Mary O’connell
Director, Marketing & Communications, BGC Canada
[email protected]

For over 120 years, BGC Canada has provided opportunities to millions of Canadian children and teens. As Canada’s largest charity and community service organization serving children and youth, our clubs are open to young people of all ages and their families in 736 locations nationwide. Trained staff and volunteers deliver programs and services outside of school hours in cities large and small, rural and indigenous communities to help young people achieve self-expression, schoolwork, healthy living, physical activity and job readiness. We help you achieve positive outcomes in , mental health, social development, leadership and more. Opportunity changes everything. For more information, visit bgccan.com and follow us on social media @BGCCAN.

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