In early 1981 a group of concerned citizens recognized the need for increased involvement because of the growing number of native and non-native people living in the Chetwynd area. Among the first to initiate plans for a community resource centre were Philip and Betty Gladue, William and Charlotte Stevenson, Jacky Ternent, Patty Russell, Terry Mitchell and Ken Berg. This group was advised by Gloria Doney from the Nawican Friendship Centre in Dawson Creek. Ms. Doney suggested to the group that they should model their plans for a social resource centre after those of the Nawican Friendship Centre.
A submission was made to the Department of Secretary of State requesting funding to start such a centre by Caroline McGinnies, assisted by Sadie Ekelund and Peter Courtoreille. The submission was accompanied by various letters of support from interested groups and institutions. Their request was granted by the secretary of State, with the stipulation that Chetwynd’s community resource centre be sponsored as a satellite of the Nawican Friendship Centre for a period of two years. Thus, the Tansi (Cree for “How are you?”) Friendship Centre was formed in May of 1981.
An assembly of 45 people gathered at the Legion Hall to elect directors for the Tansi Friendship Centre. The assembly was addressed by Mr. Fred House, President of the Nawican Friendship Centre and the Louis Riel Metis Association.
After their two years as a satellite of the the Nawican Friendship Centre had expired, the Tansi Friendship Centre had expired, the Tansi Friendship Centre applied for and received funding from the department of Secretary of State to become a centre in their own right and on May 5, 1983, the Tansi Friendship Centre became incorporated. The added support from Bob Burrows, Social Development Director, and various groups and individuals in Chetwynd, helped make the centre a reality. The hard work and dedication from these people paid off, the Tansi Friendship Centre would finally be made available to the people of the community of Chetwynd.
When the satellite centre first came into operation in 1981, they were located at the Chetwynd Mini Mall. Their sparsely furnished office consisted of donated items such as old school desk, a two-drawer office desk, an almost antique typewriter and other second-hand office equipment. Business letters were written either by hand or typed on the old typewriter, whenever it would work.
Caroline McGinnis , once President and now Executive Director, recalls how they would buy and use the cheapest paper, pens, etc. possible because of the lack of funds. Business was conducted in this matter on the premises unit the spring of 1982, when the Centre relocated to the Rex Theatre building.
There the staff saw the new location as a bigger and better working place. Things were starting to look up and more people were becoming aware of the Tansi Friendship Centre and its services. In June 1983, after realizing the space they occupied was no longer large enough to serve the growing number of people coming through their doors, the staff of the centre decided to relocate once again. Three stalls were leased at the Chetwynd Centre, which after renovations, gave the staff an office to conduct their business, and a hall large enough to hold meetings and other programs. During this time spent at the Chetwynd Centre, Caroline McGinnis once again saw the large amounts of people using and needing their services, and the Centre was shortly becoming too small once again.
She immediately set about fundraising to make money to but their own building, and she wanted to do it without any government funding or grants. With her hard work and that of other volunteers, the Tansi Friendship Centre would finally be located in their own building. Money was raised through raffles and Bingos, and in may 1984, final papers were signed that gave the Tansi Friendship Centre complete ownership of the old Radio and TV Repair building. With sweat on the brows, and smiles on their faces, the staff of the Tansi Friendship Centre prepared for yet another move, one they hoped would benefit the Centre and the people of the community. Renovations began immediately after the move; with a hall and public restrooms to the front of the building, office space, a storage area, a kitchen, and staff washroom to the rear.
It is hard to picture the Tansi Friendship Centre as small sparely equipped as it was in 1981. To walk into the Centre now, a person will find modern typewriters, computers, up-to-date office equipment and filing cabinets, carpeted offices, a hall large enough to hold meetings, dances, Bingos and programs. Since it’s grand opening on May 1, 1983, the Tansi Friendship Centre has grown to suit the needs of the people they serve. Approximately 15,000 people have come through its doors for services. Programs referrals, counselling, drop-in, workshops, alcohol and drug counselling, native awareness, job creation projects, and summer youth employment are just a small part what goes on at the Centre.
Over the years several different people have served on the board or have been employed by the Friendship Centre, too many to mention, however they have all been instrumental in the development of the Tansi Friendship Centre.
It has been a long, hard road to get to where we are today, but with the continued hard work of directors, staff and volunteers, we will continue to provide assistance to the people of our community. They are, after all, the reason we came into existence and the reason we will go on.
By: Beverly Davis
Follow us on Facebook