Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

What Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre does

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre is a registered charity and culture-based community organization operating in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada since 2008. It serves urban Indigenous people — First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, status or non-status — in Peterborough and the surrounding area, with a vision of strengthening Mino Bimaadiziwin ("the good life") through the Seven Grandfather Teachings (Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Truth). The organization delivers over 20 programs organized into four portfolios: Family, Child and Youth (Akwe:go, Wasa-Nabin, Indigenous Family Support, Healthy Kids, Prenatal Nutrition, Indigenous Student Success Program, Creating Gender Diverse Communities, Youth Cultural Resource); Healing and Health (Cultural Resource Program, Healthy Living, Life-Long Care, Wiisinadaa Let's Eat); Intervention (Apatisiwin Employment & Training, Community Wellness, Mental Health & Addictions, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound); and Justice (Court Support, Gladue Aftercare, Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin, NAAWAGEESHIIGOONG). Services are delivered in-person at two Peterborough locations (580 Cameron Street headquarters and 884 Ford Street satellite office) and through community outreach, with supplementary digital self-serve via the McLean Consulting Group–powered Nogojiwanong E-Support chatbot.

The organization operates on a non-commercial, grant-and-donation-funded model: all programs are free to participants with no fees, memberships, or service charges. Revenue is sourced from federal government grants (notably Service Canada / Aboriginal Skills Employment and Training Strategy for the Apatisiwin program), provincial partnerships (Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres for the Creating Gender Diverse Communities program), charitable donations via CanadaHelps, and institutional partnerships (Fleming College for the Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound diploma pathway; YMCA, Trent University, Aboriginal Legal Services, Sage and Sunshine school). Headcount is approximately 15 staff led by an Executive Director, with program managers overseeing Family/Health/Healing, Intervention, and Justice portfolios alongside finance and HR/operations functions. The organization is part of a province-wide network of over 30 urban Indigenous Friendship Centres affiliated with OFIFC, which provides referral pathways, shared best practices, and a national movement alignment. There is no proprietary technology stack; the underlying capability is community trust, cultural grounding, and the institutional relationships that sustain its grant-funded programming.

Name

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

Legal name

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

Website

https://nogofc.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre is a registered charity in Peterborough, Ontario, delivering over 20 culture-based programs for urban Indigenous people across family, health, intervention, and justice domains, funded by government grants and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous Community Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO), Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services (EDACALAH)

Keywords

• Indigenous community services
• Cultural support programs
• Youth wellness programs
• Family healing services
• Justice navigation support

Headquarters

HQ city

Peterborough

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Charitable Donations and Fundraising: The organization is a registered charity and accepts donations from the public through its CanadaHelps donation page (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/nogojiwanong-friendship-centre/). Donations support the operation of over 20 community programs.
2. Government and Public Sector Funding: Programs are funded through government sources. The Apatisiwin Employment and Training Program is funded through Service Canada and the Aboriginal Skills Employment and Training Strategy (ASETS). The Creating Gender Diverse Communities (CGDC) program operates in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). No cost is charged to participants, ensuring access for all families regardless of financial status.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre is a registered charity operating since 2008 that delivers over 20 culture-based community programs for urban Indigenous people in Peterborough, Ontario, and the surrounding area. Programs span the full life cycle — prenatal, family, child, youth, adult, and elder — across four portfolios (Family/Child/Youth; Healing and Health; Intervention; and Justice), all grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings and a wholistic service model addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Services are provided free of charge and include culture-based drop-in support, peer mentoring, Elder visits, ceremonies, employment training, mental health and addictions support, Gladue aftercare, housing support, and gender-diverse community programming.

Product overview

The Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre is a charitable community organization offering over 20 culture-based programs and services for urban Indigenous people in Peterborough and surrounding areas. The organization provides a comprehensive portfolio of community programs organized into four main categories: Family, Child and Youth programs (including Akwe:go for children 7-12, Wasa-Nabin for youth 13-18, Indigenous Family Support for families with children 0-6, Healthy Kids Program, Prenatal Nutrition, Indigenous Student Success Program, Creating Gender Diverse Communities, and Youth Cultural Resource); Healing and Health programs (Cultural Resource Program, Healthy Living, Life-Long Care for seniors and those with disabilities, and Wiisinadaa nutrition program); Intervention programs (Community Wellness, Mental Health & Addictions, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Apatisiwin employment training, Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound); and Justice programs (Court Support, Gladue Aftercare, Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin, and NAAWAGEESHIIGOONG Indigenous Youth Wellness). All programs are guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings and adopt a wholistic service model addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. The organization also offers a chatbot service for e-support inquiries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Akwe:go Urban Indigenous Children's Program A culturally grounded program for urban Indigenous children ages 7-12 that promotes healthy lifestyle choices, personal development, and cultural identity through traditional teachings, one-on-one support, and group activities.
• Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) A culturally enriched learning environment for urban Indigenous students ages 15-18 working toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, combining the Ontario curriculum with Indigenous knowledge, land-based learning, and trauma-informed support.
• Creating Gender Diverse Communities (CGDC) A mentorship and support program for Indigenous 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals and families providing gender-affirming gear, traditional medicines, advocacy, and culturally informed services with focus on youth.
• Healthy Kids Program A program empowering Indigenous children, youth, and families to make healthier lifestyle choices through cultural teachings, physical activities, nutrition education, and wellness workshops for ages 0-18.
• Indigenous Family Support Program A program strengthening parenting and caregiving skills for urban Indigenous families with children aged 0-6, supporting spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being through culturally-based activities.
• Prenatal Nutrition Program A culturally relevant program offering community-based support to Indigenous mothers and newborns from prenatal to 6 months of age, providing prenatal health support, breastfeeding education, and nutritional assistance.
• Wasa-Nabin Program A self-development initiative for at-risk urban Indigenous youth ages 13-18 focusing on goal setting, leadership, decision-making, and healthy lifestyle choices through culturally appropriate activities.
• Youth Cultural Resource Program A program integrating Indigenous culture, traditions, and teachings into youth programming through access to traditional medicines, cultural activities, peer support, and mentorship for Indigenous youth aged 13-18.
• Cultural Resource Program (CRC) A program addressing multigenerational trauma by promoting healing, reconciliation, and cultural empowerment through access to traditional teachings, ceremonies, Elders, and cultural arts for Indigenous children, youth, and families.
• Healthy Living Program (HL) A program promoting healthier lifestyles for urban Indigenous people through nutrition education, physical activity, smoking cessation support, and youth leadership development.
• Life-Long Care Program (LLC) A program providing cultural and community-based support for urban Indigenous individuals of all ages living with physical disability, chronic illness, or frailty due to aging, promoting independence and quality of life.
• Wiisinadaa: Let's Eat | Nutrition and Diabetes Program A community-based, Indigenous-specific diabetes prevention program improving health outcomes through healthy eating education, traditional food preparation, land-based activities, and cooking classes.
• Apatisiwin Employment and Training Program (APAT) A community-based program providing one-on-one assistance in accessing training, education, and skills development for urban Indigenous individuals, helping them find employment through career counseling and employer connections.
• Community Wellness Program (CW) A program improving health and well-being of Indigenous individuals, families, and children through health promotion, illness prevention, family violence prevention, and community-driven wellness initiatives.
• Mental Health & Addictions Program A culturally safe program providing wholistic healing support for individuals dealing with mental health and addiction challenges, integrating Medicine Wheel teachings and traditional healing practices.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Program A trauma-informed, strengths-based program offering culturally-responsive mental health support through peer support, sharing circles, cultural activities, and traditional approaches to promote a Good Mind.
• Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound (UIHB) A comprehensive four-year+ initiative supporting Indigenous single mothers in overcoming barriers to employment and education through wrap-around services, housing support, and a two-year college diploma program at Fleming College.
• Court Support and E Naaknind Anishinaabeg Indigenous Peoples Court A program supporting and advocating for Indigenous individuals involved in the justice system through legal navigation, cultural support, diversion advocacy, and culturally appropriate court processes.
• Gladue Aftercare Program (GLAD) A program providing supportive services and access to cultural activities for Indigenous community members involved in the justice system, rooted in the R v. Gladue decision and focusing on alternatives to incarceration.
• Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin (Kizhaay) A program engaging Indigenous men and male youth in ending violence against Indigenous women, encouraging participants to reclaim traditional roles through education, support circles, and cultural activities.
• NAAWAGEESHIIGOONG Indigenous Youth Wellness Program A program supporting Indigenous youth in care, involved with the justice system, or at risk of homelessness through trauma-informed care, cultural teachings, peer support, and justice system navigation.
• Nogojiwanong E-Support Chatbot An e-support chatbot service providing general inquiries and appointment booking capabilities for community members accessing Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• The Seven Grandfather Teachings-based model is cited as foundational to promoting healthy lifestyle and Mino Bimaadiziwin (the good life) across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNogojiwanong Friendship Centre operates in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). OFIFC is a provincial organization supporting urban Indigenous Friendship Centres across Ontario. The CGDC (Creating Gender Diverse Communities) program specifically operates in partnership with OFIFC, enabling the delivery of 2SLGBTQQIA+ culturally informed services across the provincial Friendship Centre network.
• Province-Wide Network of Friendship CentrescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNogojiwanong Friendship Centre is part of a province-wide network of over 30 urban Indigenous Friendship Centres across Ontario, connected to a national movement that supports Indigenous people in cities. This network facilitates shared best practices, referral pathways, and collaborative initiatives across the urban Indigenous community services sector.
• Fleming CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound (UIHB) program includes a formal education component where participants attend a two-year college diploma program through Fleming College, designed to meet labour market needs and lead to family-sustaining wages. Phase 2 of the UIHB program delivers formal post-secondary education in partnership with Fleming College.
• YMCAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Healthy Living Program provides community members with access to YMCA facilities and resources, expanding physical wellness programming beyond the Friendship Centre's own facilities and enabling broader fitness and recreation access for Indigenous community members.
• Trent University / Fleming CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Healthy Living Program involves a collaboration with local educational institutions (Trent/Fleming Program Collaboration) to expand access to wellness programs and resources for the community.
• Local Gyms, Schools, and Community CentersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Healthy Kids Program engages in partnership programming with local gyms, schools, and community centers for physical activities, wellness workshops, and educational sessions targeting Indigenous children, youth, and families.
• Sage and Sunshine Indigenous Culture-Based SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSage and Sunshine, an Indigenous culture-based school in Peterborough, partners with the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre to deliver Indigenous story time sessions in local parks. These sessions offer children and families an opportunity to connect with Indigenous oral traditions and serve as community-building events.
• Aboriginal Legal ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAboriginal Legal Services assists Indigenous individuals in obtaining Gladue Reports/Letters, which are used to inform sentencing decisions. The Gladue Aftercare program at Nogojiwanong works with Aboriginal Legal Services to support individuals navigating the justice system.
• City of Peterborough / Local GovernmentminorOthersMayor Jeff Leal of Peterborough issues an annual proclamation recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), acknowledging the community is located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg. The city supports reconciliation events hosted by the organization.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Anishnawbe Health Toronto: Indigenous health organization providing traditional and Western health services to urban Indigenous people in Toronto; comparable in serving urban Indigenous populations with culturally grounded health and wellness programming.
• Tungasuvvingat Inuit: Urban Inuit-specific service provider in Ontario offering culture-based community, family, youth, and wellbeing programs; directly comparable Indigenous community service model serving a distinct urban Indigenous population.
• Native Child and Family Services of Toronto: Toronto-based Indigenous child welfare and family services organization delivering culturally grounded programs for Indigenous children, youth, and families, including alternative education and wellbeing services parallel to Nogojiwanong's portfolio.
• Hamilton Regional Indian Centre: Urban Indigenous Friendship Centre in Hamilton delivering culture-based programs for Indigenous people in an urban Ontario setting; directly comparable in mandate, geographic scope, and service breadth.
• Barrie Native Friendship Centre: Urban Indigenous Friendship Centre in Barrie, Ontario providing community-based cultural programs, youth services, and family support to nearby Indigenous populations; comparable size, model, and service mix.
• Odawa Native Friendship Centre: Urban Indigenous Friendship Centre in Ottawa offering a similar suite of culture-based community, youth, family, and health programs; serves the same population profile through an equivalent Friendship Centre model.

Broad incumbents

• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC): Provincial umbrella organization for urban Indigenous Friendship Centres across Ontario; Nogojiwanong is an affiliated member and partners with OFIFC on the CGDC program, making OFIFC the most directly comparable peer at the network level.
• Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre: Network of Indigenous Health Access Centres in Ontario delivering primary care, traditional healing, and community health programs to urban and rural Indigenous populations; comparable in providing culturally grounded Indigenous health services at regional scale.

Emerging players

• Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto: Toronto-based Indigenous women's support organization offering counseling, healing, family violence resources, and cultural programs; comparable in serving urban Indigenous women and families with culture-based wellbeing services.
• Aboriginal Legal Services: Toronto-based Indigenous legal services organization that partners with Nogojiwanong on Gladue reports; operates in an adjacent domain (justice support for Indigenous people) with overlapping client base and referral pathways.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/nogofcca
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nogojiwanong-friendship-centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre