Nadette Agecoutay was sworn in as the Red Deer Native Friendship Society’s executive director on July 1. She had previously served as the director of programs at RDNFS for 13 years. Agecoutay primarily focused on building programs, fund development, and meeting the outcomes of the Friendship Center.
Agecoutay says her new role has grown in responsibilities compared to her former role as the director of programs.
So, the role has changed to being responsible for the entire organization and more of working with the board of directors on the vision of the organization on our strategicals and planning. There’s a lot more responsibility where finance is concerned and partnerships. Just community building, things like that. So, it’s a way bigger picture than what I was doing before. – Nadette Agecoutay, RDNFS Executive Director
When asked what she hopes to achieve in her new role, Agecoutay said she hopes to maintain and encourage the growth of the RDNFS.
Agecoutay went on to say what sets the RDNFS apart from other organizations is that the society has built a leadership team meaning she doesn’t have to do leadership by herself. The previous executive director is now managing the finances and each team has program coordinators. She also mentioned a kokum knowledge keeper and operations manager help guide the team.
The RDNFS provides programs and services for individuals, families, community organizations in the area. Agecoutay expressed the main goal of the society is to support people in order for them to be successful in the city.
Agecoutay said that the RDNFS hopes to provide a connection to the community for those in Red Deer and to raise awareness about the society. She also mentioned that people are welcome to participate in the events if they want to learn about the culture.
Across Canada every friendship center adapts to what the needs are of the people in the city, so we may have similar programs and we may have completely different ones but our friendship center has been growing over the years and we have a lot of programs and we’re working, we’re building social enterprise, affordable housing, things like that in the city. So we have a lot of stuff going on – Nadette Agecoutay
The RDNFS designs and delivers programs from an Indigenous cultural lens, meaning all the programs are different from one another.
Agecoutay stated that the society’s goal is to connect people to their culture and community, while ensuring that individuals’ basic needs are met. They also aim to facilitate people’s success and prosperity, while serving as a voice for those in need.
Agecoutay went on to say the RDNFS will continue to design and deliver programs from an Indigenous cultural lens while promoting reconciliation and cultural understanding.
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