Academic Upgrading Program Brandon Friendship Centre Brandon, Manitoba

Brandon is a city of 40,000 people in southwestern Manitoba. Referred to as the Wheat City, it serves a further 60,000 people who live in this rural region. The economy is based on farming and agricultural industries, supplemented by an Armed Forces base, provincial corrections, Assiniboine Community College and Brandon University.

The Brandon Friendship Centre considers itself a bridge between two cultures, between urban and non-urban settings. It provides programs that will meet the needs of Native people who are adjusting to urban life. It also provides opportunities for Native leadership, for mutual understanding among different cultures, and for the community to be informed about Native issues.

The Centre currently works with Métis, Native, and non-Native members. Staff and program participants represent all three cultures equally. There are six men and six women on staff. They work with youth, alcohol and drug counselling, housing, traditional cultural celebrations, literacy, and job preparation and training programs.

The Friendship Centre also serves as a drop-in centre, contains a gift shop of arts and crafts, holds bingo and a range of recreational activities, and is involved in many community programs with other social agencies and organizations in Brandon. Core funding for the Centre comes from the federal Secretary of State, with project funding from both provincial and federal agencies.

The basic literacy program is student-centred and community- based. There are twenty students registered, with an average of twelve being present on any particular day. They have the option of attending full-time or part-time, four days a week. There are two full-time literacy staff, one working primarily one-to-one and the other working primarily with groups. Long-term, volunteer aides are often present to work with individuals on the reading, writing, and math required for outside courses such as small engine repair.