The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre (GBNFC) was incorporated on July 5, 1984 and became a member of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) on October 20, 1984. The centre’s founding directors are Roger Jackson, Charles Tobey, Rita C. Morin, Frederick Jackson, Rodney Monague, Bruce Marsden, Flora Tabobondung, and Mildred Deschamps.
The GBNFC evolved from a very humble beginning into an organisation that has become an important aspect of the urban Anishnabek in the Midland/Penetanguishene area. This area includes Midland, Tiny Township, Penetanguishene, Port McNicoll and the surrounding villages in the area.
The Centre has increased its profile in the community at large with networking, partnering, and marketing strategies; annual GBNFC awards presented to Aboriginal students graduating from the local area high schools; monthly newsletters to the membership; community workshops; career fairs; cultural ceremonies; and celebrations.
