native friendship centreOntario is investing in the Timmins Native Friendship Centre to support programming for Indigenous communities and facilitate the move to a new building.

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer visited the centre today and highlighted an investment of $322,000 through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program to support the centre’s Under One Roof Project. The project is facilitating the housing of all centre programs in one location at 179 Kirby Avenue. 

The centre celebrated the grand opening of its new location in December and continues to improve the quality of life for urban Indigenous people living in the Timmins area. Programs provided by the centre include an employment and training program, daycare and healing and wellness initiatives.

Investing in programs like the Aboriginal Community Capital Grant is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners, creating a better future for everyone in the province.

Partnering with Indigenous organizations is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovation, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

“It is important that communities have a gathering place where cultural and educational activities can take place and community development initiatives can flourish. Ontario is committed to working with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit partners in the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect to create prosperous, healthy and strong communities. For Ontario, this is the foundation for lasting reconciliation.”
— David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

“The Timmins Native Friendship Centre is grateful for the opportunities offered by the Aboriginal Community Capital Grant. Our partnership with the government of Ontario has allowed us to make substantial upgrades to our Timmins site. Today the TNFC has become known as the largest service provider for urban Aboriginal peoples in our region. With more than 20 programs, we strive to improve the quality of life for urban Aboriginal peoples living in the Timmins area by providing intervention, direct services, advocacy and support in the areas of health, education, employment and training, culture, recreation and social services. We are an organization where workers continue to be agents of change for Indigenous peoples.”
— Veronica Nicholson, Executive Director, Timmins Native Friendship Centre