The Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre received the 2014 National Award of Excellence earlier this month at the 43rd general annual assembly of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC).
The award recognized the Val-d’Or centre’s outstanding performance in carrying out its mission, as well as the leadership association brought to urban Aboriginals in the community. All 120 of the NAFC’s branches were considered for the award, but the Val d’Or establishment stood out for its sound financial, administrative and human-resource management.
“Our centre and the town of Val-d’Or stand out across Canada by their openness and dialogue with one another,” said Oscar Kistabish, president of the Val-d’Or Friendship Centre’s Board of Directors. “We wish to share this honour with all of our fellow citizens because it’s the whole Val-d’Or community that shines across Canada through its efforts for a better quality of life for all.”
The prestigious award comes in the wake of another landmark event for the centre, which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. Executive Director Édith Cloutier was named to the Order of Canada earlier this year.
