Franciscan and Friends Mission Statement
To bring hope to vulnerable and isolated people and inspire them to reach their fullest potential through a variety of creative programs. Our target population includes First Nations, the homeless, the addicted and the poor. Our medium is arts and culture.
First Nations Arts Alliance
Franciscan and Friends has played an instrumental role in developing First Nations Arts Alliance , a new province-wide collaboration uniting and empowering Indigenous artists. This short video tells the story of the great friendship between Kirby Smith and Denis Grady that formed the basis for the Alliance and how that partnership helped save Smith’s life.
Growth
Through friendships like the one between Denis and Kirby, Franciscan and Friends has joined forces with First Nations Bands in the region, including Tsuut’ina, Siksika, Piikani and Kainai Bands, as well as many youth, elders, and other Indigenous stakeholders. In the past five years, we have developed trusted working relationships with First Nations Bands, funders, Indigenous community groups, cultural organizations, community organizations, major donors and businesses. Out of this has come growth.
In 2018, growth was fueled by $175,000 from Alberta Community Social Services and $175,000 from private partners for the First Nations Music Project. It was followed by a $45,000 research phase funded entirely by private partners to help us listen and learn from our partners. Then we received $350,000 from the Civil Society Fund from the Government of Alberta for the Indigenous Community Circles project. The growth continues to this day. Franciscan and Friends now has 3 full-time staff, one part-time business manager and 75 active Indigenous and (non-Indigenous) volunteers.
We need your help to fulfill this great effort. Get your Breakfast with the bishop tickets here!
13th Annual Breakfast with the Bishop $54.06
Purchase tickets here
