While it’s a myth that men are the only perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV), the fact remains that violence by men against women is by far largest category of offences. In spite of this—or because of this—men have an important role to play in leading the way out of the cycles of violence. Bonnyville Friendship […]
A solemn commemoration, a celebration of community, and a determined resolve to break the cycle of violence: Bonnyville Friendship Centre invited the community to its annual vigil in honour of missing, murdered, and exploited Indigenous people at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre October 6. Attendees were sat at tables surrounding a central display of raised teepee […]
There was a full house in attendance at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre’s Graham Field House October 4 for the Bonnyville Friendship Centre’s (BFC’s) annual MMIWG+ and Truth and Reconciliation event. “Our aim was to bring together survivors, advocates, and community members to honour the memory of murdered and missing indigenous women and girls, and foster […]
Bonnyville Friendship Centre (BFC) will build and operate a women’s shelter and a transitional housing facility for Indigenous women escaping abuse. The announcement was made last Thursday at the future site of the two facilities, where the old Bonnyville hospital used to stand. The shelter will provide emergency shelter for women and children escaping domestic […]
The Bonnyville Friendship Centre has moved back into its newly-expanded facility, and its director of operations Janet Gobert says the changes reach far beyond the Centre’s walls. The addition to the old Friendship Centre building adds capacity for more programming while improving both the practical and esthetic quality of the space. “We’re glad to be […]
The food bank at Bonnyville Friendship Centre got a solid influx of funds just when they need it most, thanks to a sold-out “Masquerade” Gala last Friday. The annual gala is the food bank’s single most important fundraiser, according to the Friendship Centre’s director of operations Janet Gobert. “There isn’t a lot of grant opportunities […]
Peggy Flett has been appointed Head Elder for the Bonnyville Friendship Centre’s Indigenous Advisory Council. Flett has been active in the community, in schools, as a board member at the Bonnyville Indian-Metis Rehabilitation Centre and the Bonnyville Friendship Centre’s programming. She says she’s not sure that the appointment as Head Elder will change her roles […]
Elders In Touch is a new program for seniors at Bonnyville Friendship Centre. Pauline Mawer, the centre’s research coordinator, was able to launch the program on Valentine’s Day. “Before the pandemic, and during and after that, loneliness and isolation were probably the biggest concern for me,” she said. “And I just wanted to do something […]
October 4 was the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Bonnyville Friendship Centre marked the day with its fifth annual Stolen Sisters vigil. Many high-profile cases are part of Canada’s national awareness of the issue, but the Friendship Centre’s community initiatives director Janet Gobert says every community has its […]