The Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre CEFC (Cree Indian Centre of Chibougamau-CICC) was founded in 1969, and as such, was the first Native Friendship Centre to open its doors in Québec. One of its core objectives is to foster mutual understanding between the Aboriginal and non Aboriginal populations through cultural events and exchanges that allow for a better participation of Aboriginals in today’s urban society. Through its programs and activities, the Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre meets the numerous needs of Aboriginals in the region in terms of urban services.

Clientele

The clientele is comprised of Aboriginals who have settled permanently in the Chibougamau region, the Cree communities of Mistissini, Oujé-Bougoumou and Waswanipi, men and women of all ages. Transient members of all Aboriginal Nations are always welcome at the Centre.

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre offers a wide array of services: referral, interpretation, conference room rental as well as activities and programs that meet the needs of the urban Aboriginal community. The CEFC offers a short-term lodging service: it has four (4) rooms with a total capacity of 12 beds. A low-cost meal service is offered every weekday to the students.

The Centre’s crafts shop is known in the whole region for the quality and choice of items available. It serves as a window for local and regional Aboriginal craftspeople who can use it to offer their products, thus contributing to the preservation and dissemination of the culture.

The Centre’s priority has always been to promote the Aboriginal culture and traditions. The Centre also focuses on the good understanding and fruitful exchanges between the Aboriginal and non Aboriginal populations of the region. Young Aboriginals are also a priority for the Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre: a Youth Centre has been renting space at the Centre for years now and services such as homework help are offered to the children in primary school.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Every year, the Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre holds an Aboriginal Day, an elimination of racial discrimination awareness week, as well as a golf tournament. These events are always very popular and are opportunities for the population to meet and gain a better understanding of the populations in the region.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Chibougamau Eenou Friendship Centre

Jo-Ann Toulouse, Executive Director
95, rue Jaculet
Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 2G1
Phone : 418-748-7667
Fax : 418-748-6954
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