Fort St. John Friendship Society Upgrades Technology with Infrastructure Grant
Western Financial Group is highlighting National Indigenous Peoples Day with its $5,000 infrastructure grant to B.C.’s Fort St. John Friendship Society. Friendship Society Executive Director Anita Lee tells us how the grant will be used and also shared memories of National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations.
Fort St. John Friendship Society Upgrades Technology with Infrastructure Grant
The Fort St. John Friendship Society put its $5,000 infrastructure grant to work with the purchase of audio-visual equipment to better serve its clientele and staff with technology.
Western’s Fort St. John branch presented the cheque to the Friendship Society, which serves thousands in the community from babies to elders.
Q: How will the infrastructure grant be used?
A: The audio-visual equipment is being used for job training, staff training, and development, meetings, and workshops,” says Anita.
“Having access to modern-day technology and being able to use it to provide help is what we need. It is very much appreciated and not something that we had funds for in our regular budget.”
Q: What kind of services does the Friendship Society provide?
A: The Friendship Society provides so many services: Housing & Subsidy Supports, Addiction Counseling, Job Placement/Training Services, Free CVIT Income Tax Program, Child & Youth Services (Keeginaw Preschool, Keeginaw Kids After School & Summer Programs), CONNECT & Community Outreach (food security services), Client Advocacy & Referrals, Soup’n Bannock Fridays, Elders Program, Keeginaw Craft Store, and much more.
Q: Why was the Friendship Society chosen as an infrastructure grant recipient?
A: Denice McBeth, manager at the Fort St. John branch, says that allocating the grant to the Friendship Society was a natural choice.
“This one rang home for me. They help everybody and do so much good in the community,”
From left to right Denice McBeth (Western Financial Group),
Maxine Mease (Friendship Society), Roxann Daunes (Western Financial Group).
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Anita shared fond memories of previous National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations at the Fort St. John Friendship Society. “It was always a very busy time for our staff – cooking, set up, and all the prep work!!! But the effort was always so worth it when everyone arrived! We shared a feast together. There was drumming, singing, networking, and so many smiles and memories!”
“It’s family, friends, colleagues, community – everyone celebrating together! It brings me joy to be a part of something that is so important. It’s friendship and it’s remembering, and it’s also thinking about those who are no longer with us.”
National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It's a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Events across the country will highlight the heritage, history, and remarkable achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
