ABOUT
Oki, Tansi, Danit'ada, Aba Washded, Taanishi, Sangaay Laa, Hello!
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) serves as a vital support and community resource for urban Indigenous Peoples in Calgary. We offer culturally relevant programs and services focused on social connection, cultural revitalization, education, employment, housing, and overall well-being. From Elders to youth, we are committed to fostering belonging and empowerment across generations.
As "Many Nations. One Family.™", we invite you to explore our services, learn about our impact through initiatives like the Elders' Lodge and Indigenous Hub, and connect with our community.
The Friendship Centre Movement
A National & Provincial Network of Support
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) is proud to be part of a vital nationwide network of over 100 community-led, self-determined Indigenous organizations. Together, we operate as the most significant off-reserve Indigenous service delivery infrastructure in the country.
Explore Our History & Network
Grassroots Origins
Originating in the mid-1950s, the movement emerged as a grassroots response to the growing number of Indigenous peoples migrating to urban areas. For over half a century, Friendship Centres have bridged critical gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, operating as trusted, status-blind, and non-political hubs for advocacy, holistic wellness, and cultural revitalization.
National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
Established in 1972, the NAFC serves as the unifying national body. It actively advocates for the concerns of urban Indigenous Peoples and represents the operational needs of local Friendship Centres directly to the federal government.
Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA)
Incorporated in 1970 as Canada's first provincial association, ANFCA fosters critical collaboration among Alberta's centres. They ensure programs effectively scale to meet the needs of over 100,000 Indigenous community members annually.
A cornerstone of cultural connection, offering vital support and fostering resilience for Indigenous peoples in Calgary.
Our Locations
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary operates from multiple locations throughout the city, bringing vital programs and services directly to the urban Indigenous community. Click any location below to explore the specific programs, resources, and cultural engagements hosted at each site.
Navigation & Support Centre
📍 Active Hub
Providing direct navigation for community members accessing the Status Card Clinic, education and employment, basic needs, gender-based violence support, and justice system navigation.
Outreach Support Hub
📍 1944 10th Ave S.W. Calgary
Our home for Outreach Services, delivering culturally grounded support including the Encampment team, Honouring the Bonds, Honouring Life, and the Smudge Vow program.
Indigenous Warming Centre
📍 Seasonal Operations
A vital, life-saving seasonal space providing warmth, safety, meals, and cultural outreach support during Calgary's harsh winter months.
Elders' Drop-In Centre
📍 KANAKAA'TSINOM
A dedicated, culturally safe gathering space for Elders to connect, share wisdom, access resources, and participate in elder-specific programming.
The Elders' Lodge (Omahkitapioyis)
📍 352 34 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2J7
A 12-unit non-market housing facility for Indigenous seniors in Highland Park. Features cultural gathering spaces for land-based teachings, ceremonies, and healing.
Naatowápitao'ohkánnao'p
📍 Holy Gathering Place
A sacred setting dedicated to traditional ceremonies, cultural reconnection, land-based teachings, and community healing.
Administration Office
📍 229 11 Ave SE (Flamingo Block)
The central hub for our administrative, operational, and leadership teams driving AFCC's mission forward in the community.
New Builds: Crescent Heights
📍 Indigenous-Led Housing
Expanding our footprint with our upcoming purpose-built Crescent Heights project to provide safe, stable, and culturally appropriate housing for the community.
Safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.
Healing together, fostering belonging,
uplifting our Indigenous community.
What We Do
Operating at the intersection of frontline social support and cultural revitalization, AFCC delivers a comprehensive network of services. We dismantle systemic barriers by providing culturally grounded care across four core pillars: Housing, Elder Services, Community Member Services, and Cultural Reconnection.
From managing non-market housing facilities like the Elders' Lodge (Omahkitapioyis) to running life-saving initiatives like the Indigenous Warming Centre and Status Card Clinic, our programs are designed to foster true belonging and tangible economic inclusion.
Who We Serve
We are dedicated to uplifting the diverse urban Indigenous population of the Calgary Metropolitan Area—a community of over 44,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals across all generations.
We pay particular attention to supporting vulnerable community members, including seniors, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals navigating the justice system or recovering from gender-based violence. While our primary focus is Indigenous empowerment, our doors remain open to anyone seeking support or looking to walk alongside us in a good way, guided by the wisdom of our Elders and Knowledge Holders.
Honouring Indigenous heritage. Nurturing holistic wellness.
Building a resilient, vibrant future together.
Our Strategic Partnerships
Collaboration is the foundation of our operational impact. By forging strategic alliances with government bodies, foundational funders, and frontline community agencies, we ensure our services remain culturally grounded, comprehensively funded, and directly accessible to the urban Indigenous community.
Board of Directors
The AFCC Board of Directors serves as our overarching governance body. Rather than managing day-to-day operations, this dedicated team provides strategic oversight, financial accountability, and vital cultural guidance to ensure our long-term vision serves the urban Indigenous community.
Dr. Gabrielle Weasel Head
President (Tsapinaaki)
A proud member of the Kainaiwa Nation, Dr. Weasel Head leads our Board with a deep commitment to Indigenous perspectives, guiding AFCC’s strategic vision to foster inclusive, resilient communities.
Del Majore
Vice President
Hailing from the traditional Métis community of Lebret, Del brings decades of operational expertise. A lifelong advocate for the Friendship Centre movement, he focuses on empowering individuals and supportive connections.
Carla Garcia
Treasurer
Providing critical financial oversight and governance, Carla ensures that AFCC's resources and funding partnerships are strategically aligned with our long-term community goals.
Karla Onespot
Secretary
Dedicated to ensuring operational transparency and maintaining strong governance frameworks as AFCC continues to expand its footprint and services in the Calgary area.
Grandmother Leanne Sleigh
Blackfoot Elder / Member
A respected Siksika leader, gifted speaker, and ceremony holder, Grandmother Leanne is a vital pillar for cultural strength, ensuring our programs remain deeply rooted in the Blackfoot ways.
Edme Comstock
Elder / Member
Guiding the board with traditional wisdom, Edme provides essential perspective to ensure our strategic decisions and governance remain firmly rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing.
Susan Aglukark
Inuk Elder / Member
Bringing vital Inuit representation and a distinct cultural perspective to our governance circle, ensuring our strategies reflect the true diversity of Calgary's urban Indigenous community.
Connect With Leadership
Have questions regarding governance, strategic insights, or exploring overarching community partnerships? Our Board of Directors welcomes direct engagement from the community we serve.