The Ne-Chee Friendship Centre (NFC) was founded in 1975 and incorporated on May 31, 1976. The Kenora Fellowship Centre provided space for Aboriginal people to meet prior to the incorporation of the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre, and was one of the founding members of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) which was incorporated in 1971.
The centre’s founding directors are: Sam Copenace Sr. (deceased), Joe Morrison (deceased), Kitty Everson, Steve Skead, Christine Gordon, Len Hakenson, and Derick Pitawanakwat.
In 1975, there was a growing need in Kenora to assist Aboriginal people as they migrated into the urban environment. In response to community needs, a number of volunteers were instrumental in organising practical details for a Friendship Centre, drafting a constitution and obtaining incorporation papers. The centre is now over 35 years old and continues to grow.
