WHO WE ARE
About Us
Ne-Chee Friendship Centre is a welcoming, culturally-grounded space dedicated to empowering Indigenous individuals and families in Kenora, Ontario. Our services, programs, and events are designed to promote health, healing, and the preservation of Indigenous culture, while fostering connections across generations within our community.
GOALS
Our philosophy
“Ne-Chee Friendship Centre will provide a safe, caring, and culturally respectful approach to wholistic health, healing, and growth. We inspire a sense of community, honor traditional teachings, and provide opportunities for personal and collective empowerment for Indigenous People of Kenora.”
Our mission is to offer services that address the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional needs of Indigenous individuals and families. We’re committed to providing compassionate, culturally respectful support, grounded in Indigenous traditions, values, and ways of life. Through our programs, we promote healing, encourage self-sufficiency, and strive to nurture a strong Indigenous identity in all who come through our doors.
“To strengthen and support the lives of Indigenous People living in Kenora, by building a resilient, connected, and culturally enriched community.”
Ne-Chee envisions a future where all Indigenous People of Kenora can thrive, embracing cultural pride, wholistic health, and self-determination. We aim to create a society where Indigenous identity and well-being are valued and celebrated, and where every individual has the support they need to succeed.
The Ne-Chee Friendship Centre operates on the foundational principles of the Seven Grandfather Teachings:
- Love – To care for others and for ourselves.
- Respect – To honor and uphold the dignity of all beings and Creation.
- Courage – To face life’s challenges with integrity.
- Honesty – To live and speak truthfully.
- Wisdom – To cherish knowledge and to share it wisely.
- Humility – To know oneself as a sacred part of Creation.
- Truth – To seek and live in harmony with these teachings.
These values guide our work, inform our interactions, and inspire our commitment to community, culture, and care.
History
OUR HISTORY
The term “Ne-Chee” means “A very close friend or brother,” reflecting the Centre’s role as a bridge for Indigenous people transitioning from rural to urban living.
Incorporated on May 31, 1976, the Centre initially served the community from a small office, expanding as awareness and need grew. By 1981, the Centre purchased a building on Main Street to accommodate its expanding services, becoming a recognized resource for Indigenous communities in Kenora and beyond.
Through several relocations and expansions, including the recent acquisition of the former Kenora Legion Building in 2023, Ne-Chee Friendship Centre continues to meet the needs of a growing community. Today, it operates multiple programs, fostering a deep connection to culture and community through every initiative.
THE BOARD
our Board Members
The Ne-Chee Friendship Centre is governed by a Board of Directors who uphold the mission and vision of the Centre.
Our current board includes:
Ramona Sawatzky – Chair
Marlene Elder – Vice Chair
Brandy Armer – Secretary/Treasurer
Diane Iriam – Board Member
Send a Letter to the Board of Directors
We value your input and welcome your correspondence. If you wish to send a letter to the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre Board of Directors, please address it as follows:
Board of Directors
Ne-Chee Friendship Centre
326 2nd Street South
Kenora, ON P9N 1G5
To ensure your letter is directed to the Board, please clearly write “To the Board of Directors” on the outside of the envelope.
Thank you for taking the time to reach out.