The Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre celebrated its 40th Annual General Assembly on May 26. With approximately 100 people in attendance including dignitaries, elders, youth and community members, it was a very enjoyable and productive evening. Congratulatory remarks and greetings were brought from representatives of the City of Thompson, MLA Kelly Bindle, Vale, the School District of Mystery Lake, University College of the North, Manitoba Kewatinowi Okimakanak, Thompson RCMP and the Northern Health Region, with written greetings provided by the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres, Keewatin Tribal Council and the Manitoba Metis Federation – Thompson Region.
The following is as an excerpt from our historical records - The Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre (meaning “Gathering Place”) dates back to 1963-65 when a group of people worked together in search of a meeting place geared towards native culture and common interests to help alleviate the loneliness of young native people working for Inco and to provide a social club environment for those who were already here. The late Gordon Beard, then MP of Churchill, donated a space, which is now known as the Strand Building. Inco had also assisted in the purchase of items required for entertainment and social gatherings, etc. Ma-Mow-We-Tak Centre became incorporated on June 15, 1976. In 1982 the centre changed its name from Ma-Mow-We-Tak Centre Inc. to Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre Inc.
At the 40th Annual General Assembly, it was a time to reflect back on the past 40 years and think of how far the organization has come and how much has been achieved. The organization has grown significantly, now employing more than 60 staff and operating a “one-stop-shop” facility providing the community with programs, services and support to all ages from infants to elders.
A total of seven staff were recognized for their years of service with the organization as well as two members of the board of directors for their years of service and involvement with the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. Every year the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre invites nominations for the Outstanding Aboriginal Student awards from each of the schools in Thompson. The Outstanding Aboriginal Student awards initiative is aimed towards recognizing aboriginal students in Grades 3, 6, 8 and 12 for their marks, class, school and community participation, attendance, etc. Teachers of each grade submit the names of students they feel should be recognized, and a selection committee of the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre chooses the successful students. This year’s award recipients were: Egypt Cook – Grade 3 (nominated by Ms. McKay from Wapanohk Community School), Ereka McIvor – Grade 6 (nominated by Ms. Morrison from Westwood School), Nathan M’Lot –Grade 8 (nominated by Ms. McNish) and Ashley Obleman – Grade 12 (nominated by R.D. Parker Collegiate).
In addition to the business portion of the meeting being conducted and awards being presented, there was a significant milestone that was recognized and achieved by Anita Campbell, executive rirector, who after 35 years of service with the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre announced her upcoming retirement on July 31. Anita first started her career at the friendship centre as a secretary/receptionist in 1981. Through hard work, dedication and perseverance, she became the executive director in 1993. After many years of long hours and countless miles travelling back and forth to Winnipeg to seek funding, the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre went from a struggling organization to a vibrant community service delivery agent offering dozens of programs, services, activities and events. In 2011, Anita’s vision became a reality, when the new 20,000-square-foot friendship centre facility was built at 4 Nelson Rd. In addition to this, the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre offers hostel and catering Services at their Hemlock location, post-secondary student housing at their Fox Bay location and a day care service at their Beaver Crescent location.
Dee Chaboyer, director of operations, delivered a heartfelt speech identifying Anita’s passion, dedication and vision for the friendship centre movement and her ability to empower her staff that enabled them to see their full potential, as well as build on their strengths and create that bond, to what made the friendship centre a second home for her staff. Over the years, Anita has worked with the board and staff to ensure that the principles of respect, responsibility, accountability and transparency are paramount in all that we do and that we exist to address the expressed needs of urban aboriginal people. Anita’s “give it your all” attitude over the years has been instilled towards her staff and it is these traits that make us proud of who we are, and what we have accomplished in the last 35 years.
Indulging in a meal of pickerel, wild rice and all the fixings, the community gathered to celebrate 40 years of success delivering vital programs and services to people within the community and surrounding areas, with a promise of 40-plus years to come.
None of the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre’s accomplishments or ability to do the work they do would have been achieved without the ongoing support of their volunteers, partners and community members. It truly does take a community to impact change towards a better tomorrow.
