The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen delivered the following member's statement in the legislature on Tuesday: Mr. Speaker, by connecting with our neighbours and sharing our stories, we not only learn more about our common interests, desires and needs, we also contribute to a stronger social fabric in our community and in Manitoba. Friendship Centres play pivotal roles in our communities by providing a place to gather, share our stories and promote aboriginal cultural and teachings which can help to enhance quality of life. The Flin Flon (Aboriginal) Friendship Centre has been an important part of our community since it first opened its doors in 1966. Beginning as a Friendship Centre and hostel, the centre has evolved into a multi-complex facility and is now home to a restaurant, a handicraft outlet that sells traditional aboriginal crafts, as well as administration offices and an assembly hall. The best-kept secret is that they make the second best cinnamon buns in the world! The Friendship Centre also hosts a Lighthouse program. This community-based crime-prevention program aims to help youth develop their self-esteem and confidence through positive skill-building activities. This year, Mr. Speaker, the Flin Flon Friendship Centre was awarded the Certificate of Excellence by the National Association of Friendship Centres. This award recognizes two Friendship Centres in each province and territory across Canada. In Manitoba, the Friendship Centres in Dauphin and Flin Flon were recognized at the Annual General Meeting held this past July. Accepting the award on behalf of the Flin Flon Indian-M_tis Friendship Centre was President Don McKenzie. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask all members of the Legislative Assembly to join me in congratulating the Flin Flon (Aboriginal) Friendship Centre staff, volunteers and board members for their dedication to making Flin Flon a more connected community where all people can flourish. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
