When women come together at the Brandon Friendship Centre, they share more than Indigenous cultures, traditions and stories — they’re building on a legacy six decades in the making.

Audrey Graham, who has been sewing medicine bags, beading, going to sweats and making friends at the centre for more than 10 years, says its welcoming atmosphere is key.

"This is where you find people who have big hearts and loving souls," said Graham. "It’s a great place to be, especially if you're on your own and you're new to the city."

Friendship centres first started in the 1950s in Canada to help welcome First Nations and Métis people to cities, offering support and friendship with non-Indigenous residents.

People walk in as strangers but quickly end up among friends and found family, Graham said.

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