Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre Connections - 1-306-332-5616

Increasing Aboriginal participation in the economy, through information sharing, focusing on building skills, education, training and employment resources.

On March 31, 2014, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre ended as a program of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Two new programs emerged - Community Capacity Support (CCS) Program and Urban Partnerships (UP) Program.

CCS, through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS), provides core-like funding to Friendship Centres and other urban Aboriginal organizations. This is so the organizations can have a stable base from which to deliver programs and services that increase urban Aboriginal participation in the economy, and attract additional investments.

The realigned UAS is a strategic framework implemented by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) to address urban Aboriginal issues in the multi-jurisdictional and multi-stakeholder environment of Canada?s urban centres.

Participation in the economy means that Aboriginal peoples have the skills, knowledge and training to secure, maintain and excel in a strong Canadian economy. It is generally accepted that increased participation in the economy is achieved by individuals having suitable education, a skill set, self-advocacy skills and can access and utilize services/supports that reduce small challenges that create barriers, such as transportation and childcare.

The Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre (QVFC) relies on CCS funding for its core operations.