For over five decades, Sik Ooh Kotoki Friendship Society has served as Lethbridge, AB's longest-standing Indigenous organization, anchoring the community since 1969. This established nonprofit is rooted in a powerful mission to support and promote self-determined activities that strengthen Indigenous cultural distinctiveness—a commitment that resonates throughout every program and interaction. The organization exists specifically to serve off-reserve, urban Indigenous people who seek a reliable support system to navigate the distinct challenges of city life while maintaining connection to their cultural identity.
The society's vision reflects a deep understanding of what Indigenous community members need: improved quality of life grounded in respect, dignity, and equal opportunity. This vision guides all organizational decisions and program development, ensuring that services remain responsive to community needs and values. By maintaining focus on these core principles, Sik Ooh Kotoki Friendship Society has built trust and credibility throughout Lethbridge's Indigenous community, becoming a place where people know they will be understood and supported without judgment.
What distinguishes this organization is its unwavering dedication to Indigenous self-determination and cultural preservation within an urban context. Rather than imposing external solutions, the society works alongside community members to develop approaches that honor Indigenous ways of knowing and being. This relationship-centered philosophy has enabled the organization to create meaningful connections and foster genuine community empowerment across Lethbridge. For Indigenous people seeking cultural grounding, practical support, and community belonging in an urban setting, Sik Ooh Kotoki Friendship Society represents a trusted, culturally-rooted resource.
Lethbridge, Alberta