Last week, the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS) proudly hosted our first ever Leadership Gathering, bringing together leaders, changemakers, and community champions from Friendship Centres across the province.
Held on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis in Prince Albert, SK, this event was more than a meeting, it was a celebration of unity, knowledge-sharing, and our shared commitment to the wellbeing of Indigenous people in Saskatchewan.
Leaders from all corners of Saskatchewan came together to share their experiences and challenges, strengthen their networks, and support each other in the important work we do. Each Friendship Centre brought their unique perspectives and energy to the table.
Over the course of the gathering, attendees had the opportunity to explore key topics affecting our communities: housing, homelessness and addictions, youth programming, mental health supports, cultural revitalization, and the importance of reconciliation. These topics were facilitated by Friendship Centres for Friendship Centres and the discussions were dynamic and insightful, sparking ideas that folks we’re excited to bring back to our communities.
Focused Learning Opportunities for Leadership Growth
A key aspect of the Leadership Gathering was the dedicated time for capacity building. On the morning of Day 1, participants engaged in a session on non-profit governance, led by Leah Goodwin from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. This session provided practical tools and frameworks to strengthen board leadership, clarify roles and responsibilities, and support effective decision-making in Friendship Centres.
On the morning of Day 2, Dave Roszell from Saskatchewan Polytechnic guided attendees through the critical topic of non-profit financial management. Friendship Centre leaders explored budgeting best practices, financial oversight, and strategies for sustainability. All essential skills for ensuring the long-term health and success of our organizations.
These learning opportunities were incredibly valuable and well-received, offering attendees practical knowledge they could immediately apply in their local centres. We extend our sincere thanks to Saskatchewan Polytechnic for their expertise and for supporting the professional development of Friendship Centre leadership.
Strategic Planning for a Stronger Future
On Day 3, we were honoured to work alongside the team from Kingfisher Consulting, who led a day-long Strategic Planning session. With their guidance, Friendship Centre leaders engaged in meaningful discussions about our their vision, mission, and priorities for the coming years.
Kingfisher Consulting’s approach was thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing. They created a welcoming space where every voice was heard and valued. Through collaborative exercises and focused conversations, Friendship Centres were able to reflect on where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they want to go.
The insights developed during this process will serve as a guiding framework for our member Friendship Centres as they continue this important work back home in their communities.
An Evening to Remember: AFCS Leadership Gathering Gala
One of the most memorable moments of the week was our Gala, hosted on the Wednesday evening. It was a time to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy the incredible indigenous talent and artistry.
The evening featured outstanding musical performances from Patrick Moon Star, whose soulful melodies set a powerful tone for the night; Cupid’s Heart, who brought their unique sound and energy to the stage; and LJ Tyson, whose music and storytelling captivated everyone in the room.
We were also honoured to have a performance by Theland Kicknosway, who wowed the audience with his incredible blend of traditional and contemporary artistry. His performance, combining song, dance and LED lights, was a true highlight of the night.
Moving Forward Together
As we look ahead, AFCS remains committed to strengthening our network of Friendship Centres and amplifying the voices of Indigenous people across Saskatchewan. The ideas and strategies shared during the Leadership Gathering—including the capacity-building sessions with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the Strategic Planning process with Kingfisher Consulting, and the powerful moments of connection during the Gala—will help guide Friendship Centres in delivering programs and services that meet the evolving needs of their communities.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their wisdom, and contributed to this meaningful gathering. Together, we continue to build a future rooted in respect, culture, and opportunity for all Indigenous people in Saskatchewan.
A Note from Program Director, Alicia Buckley
The AFCS Leadership Gathering was a much needed collaboration to bring together our AFCS members in a long awaited bi-annual meeting. We have heard through monitors, surveys, and feedback at other meetings how important it is to come together and continue our learning journeys. Not only did we hear that foundational training such as non-profit governance and financials is vital, but we were also reminded that we have experts in Friendship Centres in a vast array of areas including housing, health, harm reduction, childcare, social economies, infrastructure and most important of all, culture. To ensure we set up our members for success, therefore we partnered with Kingfisher and Cree8tive Advisory to create a starting point for strategic planning that meets every member where they are at and provides tools to ensure that members can incorporate these learnings seamlessly. Gathering as a community is medicine and continuing our path to leadership only strengthens our family.
– Alicia Buckley, Program Director
- Battleford Indian & Metis Friendship Centre
- Buffalo Narrows Friendship Centre
- Ile a la Crosse Friendship Centre
- Kikinahk Friendship Centre
- La Loche Friendship Centre
- Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre
- North West Friendship Centre
- Prince Albert Indian & Metis Friendship Centre
- Qu’Appelle Valley Friendship Centre
- Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre