The Port Alberni Friendship Center is an Indigenous Social service organization which was established in 1965 and is one of more than 100 friendship centers across Canada, 25 of which are located in BC, which opens their doors to all community members with a mandate of providing services to Indigenous peoples living away from their home community. 

Our non-profit society is made up of individual members, governed by a community board of up to 10 persons who are elected by the membership at the Annual AGM.  This organization is administered by an Executive Director, and a diverse staff of up to 80 individuals.

The Friendship Center’s Operations budget is funded by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Provincial Capacity funds from the Provincial Government, fund raising, donations and admin funding from other programs.  Our primary programs are funded by The Law Foundation of BC, MCFD, Public Health, Island Health, Urban Aboriginal Head Start, MIRR, CAPC, New Horizons, First Peoples Cultural Council, Community and Gaming Grants. 

The services presently provided at our center are Addictions & Mental Health Counseling, Sports & Recreation programs, youth & adult employment training programs, Family Law and Poverty Law Legal Advocacy Programs, Family Support, Early Childhood Development & Early Years, Elders Programming, Homelessness Support, Family & Youth Programs, Aboriginal Head Start Program – Childcare Centre, Tiny Home Village & Shelter, some public health services, social events, crafts and cultural events, with a general drop-in atmosphere.