Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres - OFIFC

Today is Blue Jean Jacket Day — a day of remembrance and awareness for the realities faced by Indigenous men and boys across Canada. Established in Edmonton in 2023, Blue Jean Jacket Day brings awareness to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous men and boys. The violence they experience is rooted in systemic inequities, colonialism, and long-standing gaps in safety, support, and justice.

Wearing a blue jean jacket today is a meaningful act of solidarity. It honours the lives lost, supports survivors, and stands with the families and communities who continue to seek accountability, safety, and healing.

At the Nishnawbe‑Gamik Friendship Centre, they know that the right attitude in housing support work can be truly life changing. Our latest blog highlights how one person’s compassion and consistency helped build healing relationships rooted in trust. By fostering connection with tenants through humanity, deep listening, and people‑centered collaboration, NGFC creates a space where everyone feels seen and supported. With strong partners and dedicated leadership, NGFC continues to grow as a vibrant, welcoming community grounded in trust and compassion to support tenants in building stability, gaining independence, and feeling a true sense of belonging.

Reframing Supportive Housing Through a Community Built with Care Housing support workers carry immense emotional pressure. They guide people through crises, navigate unpredictable needs, de‑escalate conflicts, and work within systems strained by housing shortages and limited mental‑health resources.

Today we celebrate Tom Longboat Day. Six Nations of the Grand River born, Gagwe:gih, whose name means “Everything”, won the 1907 Boston Marathon in record time & served as a dispatch runner during .
📽️ https://www.historicacanada.ca/productions/minutes/tom-longboat

On this anniversary of the Final Report into MMIWG2S, the OFIFC acknowledges all the survivors, families, and communities whose courage to speak out made the Inquiry possible. Their voices and stories continue to guide us and move us toward truth, justice, and reconciliation.

The Calls for Justice are not optional; they are legal and moral obligations that demand action.

Honouring this anniversary means insisting on accountability, implementing the Calls for Justice, and refusing to accept the ongoing violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Read more about the National Inquiry findings: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/

June brings the medicine of the Strawberry, a reminder of reconciliation. Communities gather for annual feasts that honour unity, welcome everyone home, and encourage letting go of self‑judgment.

Happy Pride Month – 2026

The OFIFC honours Pride Month as a time to celebrate love, identity, and the power of living authentically. 🌈 Pride is a commitment to equality, dignity, and the ongoing work of creating safer, more inclusive spaces for all. 🤝

Love shines brighter than hate, and courage grows stronger when we stand together. We honour 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities by uplifting voices, celebrating resilience, and recognizing that the freedom to express who we are strengthens our communities and the path forward.

We're very proud of the amazing work that The Odawa Native Friendship Centre and Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre carry out to their communities ✨🪶🫂

This Indigenous History Month, PBSC is proud to spotlight our partners, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (TBIFC) and The Odawa Native Friendship Centre (ONFC).

Since the 1960s and 70s, these organizations have played a vital role in strengthening the well-being of Indigenous communities in Thunder Bay and Ottawa. Through holistic programming, advocacy, community development, and the sharing of traditional teachings from Elders, they continue to uplift the communities they serve.

PBSC is honoured to partner with both centres and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres - OFIFC to operate Indigenous Human Rights Clinics . Last year, twelve PBSC law student volunteers delivered public legal education sessions on Human Rights 101 and Human Rights in Healthcare and helped our volunteer lawyers deliver legal advice on human rights to members of the community.

Such an inspiring meeting with Indigenous Services Canada Minister Mandy Gull-Masty last week. Her story of growing up in an urban centre and finding support through the Friendship Centre touched everyone in the room -- and that connection continues today with her own children.

For the OFIFC's CEO Sean Longboat and our Government Relations team, it was our first time meeting with a Minister who is Indigenous, and her commitment to the self‑determination of Indigenous people shone through.

We spoke about the essential role Friendship Centres play for Indigenous people in urban spaces, the Minister’s 5‑year funding commitment, Emergency Management, Bill S‑2, our Trusted Source Partnership, and her dedication to Indigenous youth.
A strong partnership is growing, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

June is Indigenous History Month—a time to honour the histories, vibrant cultures, and lasting contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It’s an invitation to slow down, learn intentionally, and deepen our understanding.

To explore a piece of this more recent history, swipe to learn about the beginnings of the Friendship Centre Movement and the principles that shaped its early years.

Continue to honour this month by listening, reflecting, and advocating for reconciliation.

Nominations have been extended to June 26!

Do you know someone who is advancing human rights in your community — maybe even someone you know who works within the Friendship Centre community? Nominate them for a Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award to recognize and celebrate their impact.

Nominations are open until May 29: bit.ly/4dvFqUN