Loss to Friendship Centre movement

President of the National Association of Friendship Centres Nelson Mayer passed away on Dec. 20 after a short stay in hospital in Edmonton.

Mayer also served as the executive director of the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association.

His extensive involvement in the friendship centre movement spanned four-and-a-half decades. He served as NAFC’s president from 2013 to 2016 and from 1987 to 1988. He was vice-president for 10 years.

The National Association wrote in a press statement that Mayer’s “leadership was driven by his on-the-ground experiences with many local friendship centres across the country…. Nelson’s leadership, humour and dedication to the success of young people in the friendship centre movement will be sorely missed. The NAFC’s Board of Directors will continue moving forward with the vision of the friendship centre movement that Nelson was so passionate about throughout his long career.”

NAFC Vice-President Christopher Sheppard has been appointed interim president. Mayer’s life will be celebrated Jan. 6 in Edmonton.

Donations can be made to the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton or to the NAFC’s Aboriginal Youth Council.