SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre
March 25, 2026
Honourable senators, I wonder if many know the kinds of services Indigenous friendship centres provide for urban Indigenous People. For some, it’s a refuge for those separated from community and extended families for a variety of reasons. For others, it’s where you go to access culturally informed supports and programs. For many, it is a home away from home, a place where a sense of community and belonging nurtures the human spirit and fosters a renewed sense of hope.
If it takes a village to raise a child, what does it take to support over 8,000 urban Indigenous individuals living in Halifax? If you ask those on the ground, I think many would say that it just takes the heart of one woman whose passion and dedication are infectious.
Pam Glode is the President of the National Association of Friendship Centres. As the executive director, she has worked with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Kjipuktuk — Halifax — for over 20 years. Pam and her incredible team at the friendship centre developed its programs and services exponentially. For example, Pam’s men’s group reconnects Indigenous men to culture and traditions that instill pride and confidence and offers a form of stability in their lives.
Her leadership has led the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre to provide primary care to over 1,000 individuals and mental health services to approximately 1,500 people each year. She has gathered strong data to track the impact of the centre’s work and is building a new centre to meet their growing needs. However, the pandemic and other factors have led to a funding gap of $21 million. I sincerely hope the federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund can allow the friendship centre to continue its good work.
Pam, you remind me that we are a community within communities, a nation within nations and that we are connected in more ways than we can imagine. Your inspiration creates a spark in the hearts and minds of the many L’nu people who walk through your doors. Wela’lin, Pam, for all you do.
Wela’lin. Thank you.
