Indigenous Friendship Centres Seek Clarity on Federal Funding

The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), representing over 100 service hubs for urban Indigenous people, is uncertain about federal funding for the next fiscal year, raising concerns from leaders like Pamela Glode-Desrochers. The Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples (UPIP) program, which has been crucial since 2017, is set to transition to a new funding model, with the government promising $27.5 million annually. Friendship centres, vital for providing services to over 1 million urban Indigenous clients, are worried about planning amidst this uncertainty. Indigenous Services Canada reassured that funding will continue, although specifics remain unclear.