Urban Indigenous organizations need more COVID-19 funding, says National Association of Friendship Centres

Gaps in federal government funding leave communities vulnerable

Why It Matters

Despite a lack of resources, friendship centres across Canada are finding innovative ways to support their communities. Across the country, these centres provide emergency support to communities — but need more funding to continue doing so effectively.

Pamela Glode-Desrochers and her staff have been working around the clock to support their Halifax community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive director of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre says despite a lack of government funding, the centre is providing emergency support to the nearly 6,000 people who use their services every year. 

“We didn’t stop working — it became more hectic for us,” Glode-Desrochers explains. 

The Canadian government announced a $305-million package to support the country’s Indigenous population during the pandemic, of which $15 million has been committed to organizations in urban areas, while the rest is distributed amongs

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.