The Port Alberni Friendship Center Society members elected six new board members at their annual general meeting held Sept. 29.
The election followed a community dinner and board reports on exciting new expansion plans for PAFC.
Elected to the Board are Marie Samuel, Brittney Johnson and Wally Samuel for two-year terms. John Barney was elected to a one-year term seat.
A second ballot was carried out to fill two youth director seats. Charlotte Wishart was elected to a two-year term seat while Danielle Sam was elected for a one-year term.
The new directors will join chair Richard Samuel and directors Sharean Van Volsen and Violet Wishart, who each have one year remaining on their terms.
Elder Ben David has long been associated with the PAFC. In his welcoming remarks he acknowledged the hard work of the directors and PAFC staff.
“There are plenty of activities here all year ‘round and to get them we need programs and proposal writing and that comes from the vision of the board of directors,” said David.
He congratulated Executive Director Cyndi Stevens, who has been with PAFC for 29 years, and Cheri Newberry with more than 30 years at the center.
“This place is about our culture, so I can say I am proud to be aboriginal,” David said.
PAFC Chair Richard Samuel introduced the staff and directors.
In his report to members, Samuel said a proposal for new construction in vacant lots adjacent to the PAFC building has been approved. The board is working on plans to build a licensed daycare and expansion to the gathering hall.
Stevens said that when annual events like the Christmas dinner or Aboriginal Day celebration happen the turnout is so large that people are lined up in the hallways. The new expansion will start at the south wall of the hall and out toward the former bottle depot on 4th Ave. Next to it will be the new, licensed daycare.
A building committee has been formed to begin plans for fundraising. They are looking for volunteers to join the committee. Anyone with fundraising skills and wishing to join the committee should contact Donna Samuel or leave a message for her at the center.
