Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre
Founding Parent Organization of Kokum's House
The Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre (CLNFC), originally incorporated in 1988 as the Grand Centre Native Friendship Centre, was created by local Métis, Dene, and Cree leaders who saw the need for a space where Indigenous people in the community could feel safe, supported, and respected. Their vision was simple but powerful: create a place where everyone—regardless of background—could come for help, connection, and cultural belonging.
In its earliest days, the Centre operated on a modest $25,000 provincial grant and the generosity of community donations. Even with limited resources, CLNFC became known for its innovation and commitment to action, always responding directly to the evolving needs of the people it served.
Our Services
Basic Needs & Support Services
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Emergency aid and food bank access
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Free soup & bannock every Thursday
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Housing searches and senior advocacy
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Free access to coffee, tea, phone, and faxing
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Tax preparation and help filling out forms
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Employment & Education
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Youth employment and job readiness
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On-the-job training and school partnerships
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Assistance with obtaining safety tickets
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Referrals and advocacy with other agencies
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Culture & Community Connection
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Cultural teachings in schools and museums
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Ceremony support and cultural awareness
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Celebrations of Heritage Day, Canada Day, Aboriginal Day, and Thanksgiving
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Soup and Bannock Thursdays
Every Thursday, the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre welcomes the community for a free soup and bannock lunch—a tradition rooted in care, culture, and connection.
Open to everyone, this weekly meal brings people together in a warm, welcoming space where no one is judged and no one goes hungry. Whether you're in need of a hot meal or simply want to connect with others, everyone is invited to sit, eat, and share.
This weekly event reflects what the Friendship Centre is all about: inclusion, compassion, and community support.
A Vital Part of Cold Lake
We are proud to be a self-sufficient, community-first organization, but with the growing needs of the people we serve, financial stability continues to be a challenge. Still, we remain deeply committed to doing all we can—for as many as we can—for as long as we can.
There is so much more the CLNFC offers that can’t be fully captured in writing. What we do best happens quietly, day after day, in service to the community.
We hope that by sharing our story, our history, and our ongoing programs, we’ve shown just how vital this Centre continues to be—for Cold Lake, and beyond.