About Us

North Okanagan Friendship Center

(Established since May 5th 1977 as a non profit society)

Welcome! Wai!

The North Okanagan Friendship Center is situated in the beautiful North Okanagan Valley, the territory of the Okanagan Nation (Syilx people).

“Since time immemorial, the history of the Okanagan began, long before the arrival of the Europeans. We are the Syilx-speaking people – the original inhabitants of a vast and beautiful territory that encompasses forests, grasslands, lakes and desert. For thousands of years, the Okanagan people were self-reliant and well provided for through their own ingenuity and use of the land and nature. We lived united as a nation with a whole economy, travelling the breadth and depth of our territory, hunting and fishing, growing and harvesting, crafting and trading to meet our needs.”

Okanagan Nation Alliance.

The North Okanagan Friendship Center Society (NOFCS) has been in existence for 48 years since its inception in 1977 as the United Native Nations Friendship Society. NOFCS has grown from humble beginnings into a recognized and credible organization in the effective delivery of a range of social services for urban Indigenous people. We endeavor to assist whoever walks in the door needing help.

The Center is a place where people can meet for social, recreational, cultural and education activities. There are diverse programs that offer support and many opportunities for prevention, counselling, prenatal care, early childhood development, youth and elder programs, housing for young people (19 – 30 years), and employment and training programs.

We continue to advocate and embrace our right Aboriginal heritage through our various cultural events and activities and in particular our season events throughout the year.

NOFCS continues to support the overall Friendship Center Movement, within British Columbia and Canada, which is built upon community support, trust, strong leadership, tradition and faith. The Friendship Center Movement is mandated to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people through Canada. The BC Aboriginal Association of Friendship Centers is the umbrella association for the 25 Friendship Centers in British Columbia.

Vision Statement

Nationally recognized Aboriginal Friendship Center supporting all people to be successful, balanced and contributing members of the global community

Mission Statement

To provide culturally appropriate health and social programs and services for all people

Value Statements

Respect

We honour and respect our individual and collective values and beliefs

Trustworthy

We conduct ourselves in an honest, fair and accountable fashion

Integrity

We adhere to moral and ethical principals in our joint actions and decisions

Kindness

We demonstrate devoted and unselfish concern for the health and well-being of all people