In light of today’s announcement and the release of the 2025 Federal Budget, the Bonnyville Friendship Centre joins the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) in expressing deep concern regarding the lack of investment in urban Indigenous communities and the absence of renewed funding for the Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP).

While we will experience some minor cutbacks in programming, it is important for our community to know that, thanks to the strong business acumen and proactive leadership of our CEO, Janet Gobert, our Centre has been preparing for this moment. Janet has taken careful steps to mitigate potential impacts and ensure that the services and supports our community depends on experience minimal disruption. Her thoughtful planning and dedication have positioned us to weather this uncertainty with resilience and stability.

However, we cannot do this alone. We are asking for your support in contacting our local MLA Scott Cyr and MP Shannon Stubbs with letters of support for Friendship Centres, like ours. Your voices matter. By standing together, we can demonstrate to all levels of government that the programs and services we deliver are essential to the wellbeing of our community and to the progress of reconciliation.

Our Board has the utmost confidence in our CEO, who has taken our Centre to incredible heights through vision and determination, however this moment requires a collective effort. Your advocacy will help ensure the Bonnyville Friendship Centre—and the entire network of Friendship Centres across Canada—can continue to provide the vital, culturally grounded services that strengthen our families, our youth, and our future.

— Sandra Bodenchuk

President, Board of Directors

Bonnyville Friendship Centre

www.bonnyvillefriendshipcentre.ca