Each red dress hanging in our communities is more than a symbol, it is a story. It is a story of a daughter, a mother, a sister, an auntie, and a friend whose presence is deeply missed but whose spirit remains unforgotten.
Today, on Red Dress Day, we give a voice to the silence. We honor the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+) by sharing the truth of their lives and the strength of the families who continue to seek justice.
At the heart of the Friendship Centre movement, we believe that remembering is an act of resistance and healing. We work every day to ensure that the next chapter of our story is one of safety, dignity, and profound care for all our relatives.
#RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #NoMoreStolenSisters #EveryRedDressTellsAStory #AlbertaFriendshipCentres
"Walk gently on the Earth."
At the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association, we believe that every step we take is an opportunity to honor the land that sustains us. This Earth Day, we reflect on our role as caretakers of the water, the air, and the soil for the seven generations yet to come.
As urban Indigenous people, we carry our traditions into every space we inhabit. Whether in the heart of a city or the quiet of the bush, we are called to live in balance and lead with respect.
How are you walking gently today?
#EarthDay2026 #WalkGently #ANFCA #IndigenousStewardship #SevenGenerations #FriendshipCentres
ANFCA sadly acknowledges the journey to the spirit world of an Alberta Friendship Centre icon, Valerie Findlay.
Valerie’s life was defined by a lifetime of service and an unwavering belief in the potential of her people. For over two decades as the Executive Director of the Edson Friendship Centre, Val walked the path of a true leader, dedicating her life to weaving a stronger blanket of support for her community. She did not simply manage an organization; she tended a lodge where our people could find their way home to their culture, their dignity, and one another.
ANFCA honors Val for her vital leadership as a longstanding member of our Executive Committee, but even more so for the kindness and loving support she offered our entire Team. The medicine she shared through her leadership continues to nourish the Alberta Friendship Centre movement today. The foundation she laid is a living legacy, deeply rooted in our ways of knowing and being, guiding our hands and our hearts in all the work we do.
While her physical absence will be felt deeply, her legacy will continue to shine through every life she touched. We extend our deepest condolences to Val’s family, her friends, the Edson Friendship Centre, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Thank you, Val, for your leadership, your kindness, and your lifetime of service. You will be greatly missed, forever remembered, and always honoured.
We encourage those who knew her to leave a tribute to Val for her family here: /obituary/Valerie-Findlay
A wake will be held at the Edson Friendship Centre Hall
#13, 5023 3rd Avenue
Monday, April 13
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Funeral Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edson
Tuesday, April 14
11:00 AM
#FriendshipCentreMovement #EdsonFriendshipCentre #LegacyOfKindness
Honouring Resilience and Inclusion: Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
Throughout November, the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) recognizes Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (IDAM).
This is a time to honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples living with disabilities and differences.
In our communities, accessibility goes beyond ramps—it means ensuring every relative feels valued, supported, and included in our cultural and social life. We advocate for systems, resources, and spaces that are fully accessible and grounded in Indigenous teachings of respect and kinship.
Let's continue to uphold the principle that we are stronger together.
#IDAM #IndigenousDisabilityAwarenessMonth #InclusionIsKinship #ANFCA #FriendshipCentreMovement
Tonight, as many children enjoy the fun of dressing up and collecting treats, we send our warmest wishes for a night filled with laughter and good memories. May our youth feel safe, celebrated, and cherished as they participate in community activities.
Have a wonderful Halloween!
#IndigenousYouth #NextGeneration #SafeCommunities #ANFCAFamily #HalloweenJoy
✨ BIG NEWS: The New ANFCA Website is LIVE! ✨
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new digital home!
The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) has refreshed its website to make it easier than ever to connect with ANFCA the Friendship Centre Movement of Alberta.
Explore the future of the Friendship Centre Movement in Alberta today!
🔗 Visit us now: /
Fire Prevention Week (Oct 5-11) 🚨
The safety of our families and Friendship Centre is our top priority. Did you know that Lithium-Ion batteries, common in everyday items like phones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools, are a growing fire hazard if not handled correctly?
October 5-11 is Fire Prevention Week. Let's protect our homes and communities by following these crucial safety facts:
⚡️ Use Original Chargers: Always use the charger that came with your device. Using damaged or non-compliant chargers dramatically increases the risk of malfunction and fire.
🛋️ Keep it Safe: NEVER charge a lithium-ion battery on soft surfaces like your bed, couch, or under a pillow. Soft materials trap heat, which is the leading cause of thermal runaway fires in these batteries.
Protect your community, protect your home.
For more facts and resources, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): /en
#ANFCA #FirePreventionWeek #IndigenousSafety #CommunityCare #RechargeResponsibly
Exciting Opportunities at ANFCA! Are you passionate about making a difference in Indigenous communities? The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) is expanding, and we're looking for talented individuals to join our team!
We have multiple opportunities available to support our new and growing initiatives. This is your chance to contribute to meaningful projects that empower Indigenous peoples across Alberta.
Explore our current openings and apply today to become a part of the ANFCA family!
Open Positions Include:
✅Youth Initiatives Coordinator:
/career/youth-initiatives-coordinator-2/
✅Youth Employment Project Coordinator
/career/youth-employment-project-coordinator-2/
✅I Am a Kind Man (IAKM) Project Coordinator
/career/i-am-a-kind-man-iakm-project-coordinator/
✅Bookkeeper
/career/bookkeeper/
✅Engagement Coordinator:
/career/engagement-coordinator-2/
#ANFCA #IndigenousJobs #NowHiring #CareerOpportunities #CommunityImpact #Alberta
Protecting Our Lungs, Protecting Our Future: Living with Wildfire Smoke
We understand the deep connections between the land, the sky, and our well-being. Climate change is shifting these relationships, bringing more frequent and intense wildfires that impact our communities and our health. Wildfire smoke can affect our breathing and overall health. Here are some ways to keep safe and grounded when the smoke comes:
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a vital tool for understanding how air pollution levels can affect your health. By checking the AQHI for your local area, you can make informed decisions about your daily activities, especially if you or your loved ones are more sensitive to air pollution. Check here: https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/provincial_summary/ab_e.html
Learn more about Wildfire smoke and your health here: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/wildfire-smoke-health.aspx
Happy Day of Friendship! Messages from members of Alberta Friendship Centres
The Friendship Centre Movement is built on relationships. Whether through programs, services, or simple acts of kindness, we honor the spirit of friendship that brings us together.
Let’s recognize and honor the friendships that shape our lives, support urban Indigenous peoples, and strengthen our communities.
#DayofFriendship #DOF2025 #AlbertaFriendshipCentres
Honoring Friendship, Building Community – Messages from members of Alberta Friendship Centres
The Friendship Centre Movement is built on relationships. Whether through programs, services, or simple acts of kindness, we honor the spirit of friendship that brings us together.
Let’s recognize and honor the friendships that shape our lives, support urban Indigenous peoples, and strengthen our communities. Happy Day of Friendship!
#DayofFriendship #DOF2025 #AlbertaFriendshipCentres
Together in Friendship – ANFCA Staff Celebrate the Day of Friendship
Friendship is the foundation of strong communities, and today, we celebrate the bonds that unite us. As ANFCA staff, we are honored to support and uplift the Friendship Centre Movement, fostering connections and creating spaces where friendship thrives.
Since 2010, this day has grown from the ‘Walk for Friendship’ into the ‘Day of Friendship’—a testament to the power of unity and community. We proudly recognize the culturally rich programs and services delivered by our member Friendship Centres, supporting urban Indigenous peoples across Alberta.
Join us in celebrating friendship today and always!
#DayofFriendship #DOF2025 #AlbertaFriendshipCentres
