"A moment from our community, shared by the Dryden Native Friendship Centre."
Community Story
Shared by the Centre
Serving our community since 1984
Family, friends, community.
A gathering place — a tradition of helping each other. The Dryden Native Friendship Centre is a thriving Urban Indigenous Hub for our region.
Our story
A gathering place in the heart of Dryden.
Founded in 1984 to provide a gathering place and serve the needs of Indigenous people in Dryden and the surrounding area, the DNFC has become an active, thriving Urban Indigenous Hub Agency — also providing outreach to the community of Wabigoon.
Read more about us
What we do
See all programs Programs & services
01
Cultural Programs
Traditional teachings, ceremonies, language and arts that honour our ways.
02
Family & Youth
Wellness, education and recreation for children, youth and families.
03
Apatisiwin
Employment & training services helping community members reach their goals.
04
Community Connections
Outreach, advocacy and a warm welcome for everyone walking through our doors.
"The vision of the Friendship Centre movement is to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people living in an urban environment by supporting self-determined activities which encourage equal access to and participation in Canadian society and which respect Indigenous cultural distinctiveness."
Voices of the community
Success stories
Real moments, real people. Photos and videos shared by the Centre to celebrate the journeys of those we walk alongside.
"Another moment from our community, shared by the Dryden Native Friendship Centre."
Community Story
Shared by the Centre
"Celebrating the achievements and journeys of our youth — content to be shared by the Centre."
Coming soon
Youth Program
Program highlight
Apatisiwin
This month we're celebrating a youth from a single-mother household who completed a U18 AAA hockey season with the Kenora Thistles, in partnership with Seven Generations Education Institute and local Kenora school boards. Living in a boarding arrangement, he balanced athletics with strong academic standing — showing perseverance, discipline and the Seven Grandfather Teaching of Bravery. Apatisiwin covered registration, boarding and travel so his mother could attend tournaments and stay close, easing the financial strain that had previously forced the family to remortgage their home. Investing in Indigenous youth in hockey is an investment in cultural pride, personal growth, and future pathways.
Seven Grandfather Teaching · Bravery
"Support through the Apatisiwin program at the Dryden Native Friendship Centre has been instrumental in making this next step in his journey possible. As an Inuk youth, having this support through a trusted community organization makes these opportunities attainable. It has allowed our family to focus on supporting his overall development and well-being, rather than questioning whether these opportunities are within reach."
— His mother
"Hockey is something I work really hard at and plan to stick with for as long as I can. It's a lot of time away from home, a lot of hard work, and a lot of commitment. Having support through the Apatisiwin program has made it possible for me to keep playing, developing and working toward my goals, and I'm extremely grateful for that."
— The youth, age 15
Have a story to share? Send your photos or videos to the Centre and we'll feature them here.
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Visit us
74 Queen St, Dryden, ON.
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Call 1-888-838-3632
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