Saturday, September 27th, Atlético Ottawa honoured Truth and Reconciliation Day as part of the Canadian Premier League’s annual league-wide initiative. As part of this match, Atleti spotlighted local non-profit, Odawa Native Friendship Centre (ONFC). Here’s all you need to know about the work ONFC is doing for the indigenous community within Ottawa.
The organization’s mission is to uplift and support Ottawa’s indigenous community through various programming and services that address areas like health/wellness, family support, homeless/legal assistance, and dedicated assistance for teenagers and children. Important programs such as 510 Rideau offer specialized, culturally appropriate services that increase social participation and community integration.
Now celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, ONFC has been a crucial pillar in maintaining and promoting traditional values as well as fostering principles of self-help and development amongst their members. This year saw ONFC recently unveil their newly renovated community space within their hub in the city’s east end, and host a 50-year anniversary Powwow, marking an immense celebratory milestone of culture and tradition for the organization.
ONFC have also been actively working with Atleti to offer free-to-play soccer camps for indigenous youth within the Ottawa area. So far, two different camps have been run offering participants the chance to receive high level coaching and increase opportunities for grassroots participation within the sport. Ensuring that soccer is accessible and available to everyone is a key mission of Atleti’s Equal Access Program, aiming to give members of ONFC’s network the chance to develop their skills within the sport at an early age, and more importantly, enjoy themselves through active participation. Atleti are hopeful to run another free-to-play camp in 2026.
As part of Atleti’s 2025 Truth and Reconciliation match, ONFC sold their “Every Child Matters” t-shirts during the game so that fans could support the continued to growth of the organization and raise awareness for Ottawa’s indigenous pride and community. The profits raised during the match also went solely back to ONFC. If you didn't get a chance to buy a t-shirts, donations to ONFC can be made here. Thank you to the fans who came out to support soccer in Ottawa, and more importantly lent their support to Odawa Native Friendship Centre and the incredible work they are doing within the community.