A Whirlwind Tour of the...			...Houston Friendship Centre
			by Debi Osborne

They were not just best friends, but sisters as well, when they decided to start an Aboriginal centre in Houston. Penny, Marion and Gloria (nee Tiljoe) spent eight months meeting, conferencing, and travelling, trying to convince the right boards and officials that an outreach office in Houston was needed. Proof was easy. The closest Aboriginal centre was in Smithers. A lack of transportation kept many people of the Houston Wet'suwet'en population from attending projects or cultural events.

use BACK button to return The Rainbow Dancers celebrate the 1998 Grand Opening All photos courtesy of the Houston Friendship Centre

Once they formed a governing board of their own and established policies and procedures, constitutions and bylaws, they were ready to open the doors at their rented room in the Houston Health Center. The year was 1994. The Houston Friendship Centre Society (HFCS) mission statement is to be "an Aboriginal organization dedicated to meeting the needs and assisting and providing services primarily for people of Aboriginal descent." By September 1998, the HFCS had expanded enough to warrant buying their own residence on 14th Street.

Youth Initiative Healing Training in Smithers

Their programs have since grown and changed the centre into a multi-faceted society. Today they have six helpful staff members, including a Program Director and Penny Tiljoe as Executive Director. One of the first impressions I received, after walking in the front door, was that the place was well named. They are indeed friendly!