Series - Canada's National Friendship Centre Movement

The Friendship Centre Movement, where women have always been at the forefront

Author Haley Lewis
“I really attribute the growth of the movement to the large number of women that have been involved” — Jocelyn Formsma

Why It Matters

While social impact organizations across Canada work toward gender parity and equity, Indigenous Friendship Centres are 70 percent women-led, and have been helmed by women since they emerged in the 1950s. The first story in a partnered series with the National Association of Friendship Centres, we break down why and how Friendship Centres foster women’s leadership.

“We just naturally do things differently. When I look at other organizations, there’s so much emphasis on gender parity and gender equity,” says Jocelyn Formsma, executive director of the National Association of Friendship Centres. “Companies are always talking about making sure there are enough women on their boards and in senior management positions; and we’re an organization that has achieved that naturally.” 

The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is the national body for the Friendship Centre Movement in Canada. Supporting over 107-member Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations (PTA) from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The NAFC champions urban Indigeno

Our social impact coverage and insights enrich thousands of change makers like you everyday. Sign up for a free account with Future of Good to continue reading this series.