United Native Friendship Centre/Ge-Da-Gi-Binez

About United Native Friendship Centre/Ge-Da-Gi-Binez

In recognition of the ever changing world in which we live, the United Native Friendship Centre is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Native and non-Native people in our community and surrounding area.

Its primary responsibility is to serve Aboriginal people with special services in the fields of social, educational and cultural development while, at the same time, building a bridge of understanding between Native and non-Native people.

The Friendship Centre was brought into concept in 1971.  After many meetings with the community resources and service clubs, a Board of Directors was established consisting of professional and business people from within the Fort Frances District as well as the First Nations communities.  Official incorporation took place in January 1973 and the official opening of the building occurred in May 1973.  This was the birth of the United Native Friendship Centre in Fort Frances.  In January 1991, the Centre moved into a brand new building located at 516 Portage Avenue.  In the fall of 2000, a second building was purchased in order to accommodate the ever-growing programs and staff.  Both buildings were within one block of each other and were easily accessible to everyone who utilizes the Friendship Centre programs.  In 2004 a third building was purchased at 308 Butler Avenue which housed our Zaagi’idiwin Aboriginal Headstart program.

Since its early beginnings, the Centre has grown from two to twenty-three programs which are housed in two buildings in Fort Frances.  Within the current programs are mini-programs and support staff that provides services over and above the mandates of each individual program.

Simple Ojibwe Vocabulary

Hello: Boozhoo or Aaniin.

Come in: Bendigen.

My name is (your name): Niin (your name) nindizhinikaaz.

Please: Daga.

See you again: Giga-waabamin menawaa.

See you later: Giga-waabamin naagaj