The head of the Sault Indigenous Friendship Centre says organizations like hers have a number of challenges ahead of them.
“Friendship centres do have their work cut out for them,” says Cathie Syrette of the Sault Indigenous Friendship Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., located halfway between Toronto and Thunder Bay. “I have been the executive director here since 2010, and the mental health and addictions are taking over in our communities.”
Syrette and a number of executives from friendship centres from across the country shared their experiences at an annual general meeting in the Sault. Underfunding was a big issue as was a conversation about how friendship centres serve their community.
These centres offer legal services, family and Elder support along with various cultural programs. According to Syrette, the issue of food insecurity and homelessness come up frequently.
