Statement from the NAFC regarding wildfires

Press Release

June 26, 2025

Statement from the National Association of Friendship Centres regarding Wildfires

Ottawa, ON – The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) extends our support to all those impacted by the ongoing wildfires across Canada. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been displaced, and with the many frontline workers and volunteers responding with courage and compassion.

Every year, Friendship Centres across the country respond to wildfires, flooding, and other climate-related emergencies by providing vital, community-driven supports to address the needs of evacuees.  But despite their critical role, Friendship Centres are often forced to reallocate funds from other already underfunded programs or rely on donations to provide shelter, food, personal hygiene supplies, daycare, in addition to expanding their programs and services to accommodate the increase of people.

In addition to meeting basic needs, Friendship Centres are also providing essential mental health and cultural supports, recognizing the trauma and disconnection many experience during evacuations and ongoing displacement.

The NAFC calls for stable, consistent, and proactive emergency management funding that acknowledges the essential role of Friendship Centres in supporting Indigenous people in times of emergency. This funding must be inclusive of the realities faced by urban Indigenous people and organizations, and designed to ensure they are equipped to respond without delay.

We encourage everyone to support their local Friendship Centre during this critical time by donating, volunteering, or sharing resources, so that they can continue to meet the urgent and evolving needs of their communities.

“With the increasing frequency of climate related emergencies, Friendship Centres have stepped up time and again to support the needs of our communities,” said Kelly Benning, NAFC President. “While the mission of Friendship Centres is to support urban Indigenous people, in times of emergency Friendship Centres often support all those displaced by climate emergencies – status inclusive. We remain hopeful that people across the country will continue to show the compassion and solidarity that defines us in times of crisis and healing.”

Read a PDF version here.

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