50+ Years of Serving the London Indigenous Community

As one of the first Friendship Centres in Ontario
N’Amerind has over five decades of experience
in fostering Indigenous identity, healing, and connection.

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Our History: A Legacy of Service and Empowerment

The N'Amerind Friendship Centre was founded in 1965 in response to the growing needs of the urban Indigenous population in London, Ontario. Since its incorporation in 1967, the Centre has been dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Indigenous individuals and families through culturally enriched programs and services. Rooted in the principles of community support, cultural preservation, and empowerment, N'Amerind has become a vital resource for urban Indigenous people seeking connection, healing, and growth.

Throughout its history, N'Amerind has been a trailblazer, playing a key role in the founding of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) in 1971. Over the decades, the Centre has expanded its services to address the social, educational, and spiritual needs of the Indigenous community, continuously adapting to meet the challenges faced by urban Indigenous individuals. From its early days to the present, N'Amerind has remained committed to fostering Indigenous identity, resilience, and well-being.


As we look back on over five decades of service, we honor the community members, volunteers, and leaders who have shaped the Centre's mission and vision. We continue to build on this legacy, providing support, advocacy, and culturally grounded programs that empower Indigenous people to thrive in today’s world.

Honoring Over 50 Years of Cultural Support and Community Building

Learn more below about the milestones and people who have shaped N'Amerind’s mission to support Indigenous individuals and families for over half a century:

  • N’Amerind is founded in London, ON

    The N'Amerind Friendship Centre was founded in 1965 as one of Ontario's original six Friendship Centres in response to the growing needs of the urban Indigenous population in London, Ontario. Created by a group of dedicated community members and volunteers, the Centre was established to provide culturally grounded support and services, promoting the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous individuals and families. Over the years, N'Amerind has grown into a cornerstone of the community, continuing its mission to foster connection, culture, and holistic health for urban Indigenous people.

    Our founding directors:
    Irvin Chrisjohn, Stanley George French, Donald Loyd Morris, Clifford Myles Plater, Arletta Silver, George Simons, Virgina Pearl Summers, Amelia Wehlau and Lilian Wuttunee

  • N’amerind is officially incorporated

    The N'Amerind Friendship Centre was incorporated on April 20, 1967.
    Its incorporation marked the beginning of a legacy dedicated to promoting the well-being, identity, and connection of Indigenous individuals and families in the community.

  • N’Amerind helps found the Ontatio Federation for Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
    In 1971, the N'Amerind Friendship Centre played a key role in the founding of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). As one of the founding members, N'Amerind helped establish a network to support urban Indigenous communities across Ontario, advocating for culturally relevant programs and services. This collaboration laid the foundation for the OFIFC's ongoing mission to enhance the quality of life for Indigenous people living in urban environments.

    Other founding Friendship Centres include Kenora, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Perry Sound and Red Lake.

  • Celebrating Five Decades of Fostering Indigenous Identity, Healing, and Connection

    In 2015, the N'Amerind Friendship Centre proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of dedicated service to the urban Indigenous community in London, Ontario. Over five decades, N'Amerind has grown from a grassroots initiative into a vital hub offering culturally grounded programs and services that promote well-being, education, and empowerment. This milestone commemorated N'Amerind’s enduring commitment to fostering Indigenous identity, culture, and community connection, while looking ahead to continued growth and service for future generations.