The Friendship Centre is extremely honoured by the positive response of the Val-d’Or population to its invitation.  A large crowd of people, families and friends of all ages and cultures gathered in a spirit of harmony to celebrate National Aboriginal Day 2010. 

For the Friendship Centre’s Director General, Édith Cloutier, “June 21 is a fantastic occasion to foster cross-cultural relationships in a spirit of openness, dialogue and sharing, through traditional and contemporary rhythms. It is also an opportunity for First Peoples to express their pride and cultural richness.”

To celebrate both the Friendship Centre’s 35^th and Val-d’Or’s 75^th anniversary, the great outdoor show honoured Gabriel Commanda, a historic Algonquin character recognised as “Val-d’Or’s first citizen”.  Inuit throat singing, traditional and hoop dances, poetry, drumming, hip hop and techno captivated the crowd under a bright summer sun.  Finally, to conclude the evening in a spirit of friendship and solidarity, the crowd danced to the warm reggae music of Innu writer-composer-performer Shauit.

A central gathering place and public forum, the Val-d'Or Native Friendship Centre advocates for the individual and collective rights, interests and well-being of the Aboriginal people faced with the reality of an urban environment. Its services cover different development sectors addressing education, culture, community health, recreation, economy and social issues. It is recognised by the community as a bridge builder between peoples.