The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre in creating a new, accessible community space for Indigenous people in the city. This funding aligns with Ontario’s commitment to reconciliation by enhancing community supports and services, strengthening Indigenous partnerships, and ensuring that northern communities have the infrastructure needed to remain resilient.
Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, George Pirie, highlighted that the investment will enable the new centre to provide a safe and welcoming cultural space for Indigenous people, fostering healing, development, and self-determination. The funding will support the renovation of a newly purchased building on Red River Road, allowing the centre to expand its services and outreach.
The upgraded facility will offer a broad range of supports, including education, skills development, housing, justice, and healthcare services. In addition, it will host traditional teachings and cultural programming to strengthen identity and connection within the Indigenous community. Roseanna Hudson, President of the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, expressed gratitude to the government for enabling the centre to realize its vision of a modern, culturally safe gathering space for community programming.
Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, emphasized that the expansion will enhance support for Indigenous families, creating a welcoming environment that fosters community, culture, and opportunity for the long term. The investment is part of the NOHFC’s broader mandate to support economic development across Northern Ontario, protect jobs, mitigate trade impacts, and secure opportunities for regional prosperity.
The NOHFC has been a key driver of economic and community development in Northern Ontario, having invested over $983 million in nearly 8,000 projects since 2018, leveraging more than $2.9 billion in additional investment and creating or sustaining over 12,350 jobs. The new funding for the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre will ensure that vital cultural and community services continue to thrive, offering a space for healing, learning, and belonging for Indigenous people.
Charlene Baglien, Executive Director of the Centre, noted that the project creates a nurturing environment for mind, body, and spirit, while Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, emphasized that the expanded centre will provide essential services and traditional teachings, ensuring it remains a hub for community support and cultural preservation.
