Doors open after hard work and dedication

The Calgary Aboriginal Friendship Centre has reopened its doors after years of dormancy. An open house and community gathering was held Sept. 18 to celebrate the new beginning and it was an exciting day for all who took part, including City of Calgary officials, representatives from friendship centres across Alberta as far away as High Prairie, Elders and members from Calgary's Aboriginal community

The new centre is housed in an older two storey, yellow house with purple trim, a simple yet warm and inviting building at 362-14 Street NW.

A White Hat ceremony was conducted by City of Calgary officials to declare some of the friendship centre guests, staff and visitors as official Calgarians.

Also taking place was a presentation of feathers to the contributing Elders of the friendship centre.
After speeches and dignitary acknowledgements there was time for some informal visiting. The walls in the house boasted fresh spackling and the floors too awaited their new jacket. Beautiful paintings, which were part of the dignitary presentations, sat against the walls soon to be hung.
Visitors walked around congratulating staff and friends and showing their support by purchasing a friendship centre membership.

As things began to quiet down and guests slowly made their way back to their work days, staff exchanged private thank yous and gifts expressing their own heartfelt gratification with one another.

This special event carried onto the evening with a dinner and community gathering held at the Centre for Positive Living.

The opening prayer was followed by a warm, homestyle meal of stew and bannock enjoyed by everyone as drum groups, speakers, and traditional dancers prepared themselves for the event.

Board members, staff, and dancers participated in the grand entry carrying flags representing the Metis and Blackfoot communities, among others. Speakers and staff made their way up to the stage to express gratitude and congratulations while sharing their stories about what friendship centres have meant to them referring to the centres as always being "a place to go."

Continually emphasized was the great respect and honor held by the friendship centre for the land on which it resides and for the members of the Aboriginal community.

Adam North Peigan, president of the Calgary Friendship Centre, shared a few words thanking funders and partners, and respectfully closing his speech in saying "most importantly, Aboriginal community, this day is for you."

The board of directors for the friendship centre sat together discussing their deep gratitude for Adrian Wolfleg and all his hard work he had put toward the rebirth of the centre.

The Calgary Metis Dancers and powwow dancers performed for guests. Also present was a special guest from New Zealand who shared information about his traditional regalia and a song.
He even had friendship centre dignitaries participate in his demonstration which proved great fun and provided laughter for all.