BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Friendship Centre has been recognized with the Alberta School Board Association (ASBA) Friends of Education Award. The Friendship Centre was nominated by Zone 2/3 Northern Lights Public Schools and received the award on Nov. 17 during the ASBA awards evening in Edmonton.
The award recognized the Friendship Centre for its dedication to improving education for students and making meaningful community contributions.
The Friendship Centre’s Chief Executive Director Janet Gobert said her team was “deeply honoured” to receive the award, and felt it was a meaningful recognition of their hard work and dedication to supporting the community, particularly in fostering educational opportunities and cultural awareness.
“The centre’s initiatives, including cultural programming, youth services, language preservation programs, and student support services, have played a vital role in promoting Indigenous knowledge, reconciliation, and inclusivity within the community,” said Gobert.
The ASBA awards evening brought together educators, community leaders, and advocates who have made outstanding contributions to education, according to Gobert, and the event gave recognition to those whose efforts impact education in Alberta.
“It was truly an honour to be present that evening alongside BFC Youth Coordinator, Rebekah Gobert and Indigenous Youth Student Support Worker, Shiloh Prosser . . . Our programming is gaining recognition for its ability to address critical community needs while fostering cultural awareness, education, and reconciliation,” said Gobert.
Gobert spoke about the holistic approach the Friendship Centre takes in creating “comprehensive and targeted services” that benefit the whole community.
“Our ability to address systemic issues, such as gender-based violence, through programs like the I Am A Kind Man and the Gender-Based Violence Initiative, resonates with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,” said Gobert.
Gobert also spoke about the spirit of collaboration the Friendship Centre has harnessed, developing partnerships with schools, government agencies, and surrounding communities to streamline services and reduce duplication.
The Friendship Centre has supported marginalized groups, such has the women's shelter and transitional housing project, and Gobert stated, “We are stepping up to provide life-saving and transformative services.”
The Friendship Centre's focus on reconciliation promotes education of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history, and Gobert sited events such as the MMIWG+ vigil and Truth and Reconciliation Day that provide the community with opportunities to foster reconciliation.
“We have a strong board and staff that excel in each of their respective roles. I feel we have emerged as a powerful voice for bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,” said Gobert.
She explained the combination of dedicated staff and effective and diverse initiatives elevates their profile. Because of this, the Friendship Centre is not only advancing but thriving.
“Many staff members expressed gratitude for the partnerships they’ve built with schools and community organizations, acknowledging that the award was a collective achievement. We are so thankful to Zone 2/3 Northern Lights Public School Division for nominating us,” said Gobert.