United Native Friendship Centre

The United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances, ON operates a comprehensive network of social, educational, and cultural programs designed to serve Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members. Operating from two primary locations—427 Mowat Avenue and 821 McIrvine Road—the Centre has expanded from its original two programs to twenty-three distinct offerings that address critical community needs. The organization provides specialized services across four primary functions: counseling, education, social development, and cultural programming. The Abinoojii Gamig Childcare Centre at 821 McIrvine Road offers early childhood education, headstart programming, prenatal nutrition services, and childcare for infants and toddlers. Additional services include alternative secondary education, employment counseling, wellness outreach, homelessness support, mental health services, and cultural resource programming. The Centre's professional staff includes Indigenous education workers, family support specialists, mental health wellness workers, and cultural resource coordinators. With seventy active members and a dedicated seven-member Board of Directors, the organization maintains strong partnerships with community service providers and Indigenous agencies throughout the Fort Frances District. The Centre's approach integrates guidance from Elders who provide cultural and spiritual teachings, ensuring services remain grounded in Indigenous values and community wisdom. Since 1973, the United Native Friendship Centre has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of Fort Frances residents.