A Little History About Who We Are
The Native Senior's Centre is a registered, non-profit agency .
The Native Seniors' Centre is the result of the determination of a few women to address the many needs of Native people living in the city of Edmonton. It was first established as the Metis Women's Counil of Edmonton on October 20, 1986. With only two staff, this unique initiative was based on a holistic vision of 'wellness' and above all strove to foster a sense of community among the Native seniors in Edmonton.
The first programs established were the Urban Native Housing Registry, the Drop-In Centre and the Outreach Program. They were designed to enhance the physical, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being of Edmonton's Native seniors. The participants of these programs received assistance with finding affordable housing; they had access to a social centre where they could hold pot-luck dinners, do crafts and converse in their own language. They were also provided help in accessing services and in dealing with the urban environment, particularly those who were isolated in their own homes or in the hospitals. With the acquisition of a van in 1992, members were able to attend more of the events at the Centre and to go on spiritual and cultural journeys such as the Lac Saint Anne Pilgrimage.
Three major changes occurred in 1994.
- The agency moved from a tiny run-down house beside the Coliseum to its present location.
- They changed the name from the Metis Women's Council to the Native Seniors' Centre.
- Because of special interest to the Native Seniors, the Aboriginal Verteran's Society of Alberta opened an office at the Center.
As the membership grew so did the programs and services. A monthly Cree Mass was started; a food co-op program, a communal garden and a collective kitchen began; and a craft workshop formed from which finished products were sold as a means of fund-raising. Despite this growth, the permanent staff for the programs only increased by one in 1996.
The Centre receives funding from the City of Edmonton Family and Community Support Services (F.C.S.S.) for the operation of the Drop-In Centre, Outreach and Volunteer programs, and the Native Housing Registry is funded by Alberta Municipal Affairs, Alberta Seniors.
The Board of Directors are comprised of members of the Centre, there are responsible for Policy and Procedure and Bylaws. Members of the Board also sit on various committes designed to oversee and support the needs of the membership. Board meetings are held at the Centre on the second Tuesday of each month except during summer months
Currently there are five permanent staff: An Excutive Director, and Outreach Coordinator, a Housing Registar, a Volunteer Coordinator, and a Bookkeeper, Members, volunteers, placement/practicum students, fine options and community service individuals assist staff with the implementation and delivery of programs and services. They also contribute their time and effort towards the several fund-raising activities that the Centre initiates.
Throughout its existence, the Centre has undergone many significant changes and continues to grow and embrace new and innovative initiatives. While the Centre has maintained some of its earlier programs and services, it has expanded to include new ones.
