The Kikinahk Friendship Centre has had a presence in La Ronge since 1976. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

major milestone

Kikinahk Friendship Centre celebrates 50 years

Aug 7, 2026 | 4:01 PM

Staff from La Ronge’s Kikinahk Friendship Centre hosted a celebration Thursday to commemorate its 50th anniversary in the community.

The three-hour come and go event, which attracted about 500 people, included a free barbecue, photo booth, face painting, entertainment, a historical slideshow, and local vendors.

“We are a community needs organization and we try to fill gaps where the gaps are and create partnerships,” said executive director Danielle DeBruyne. “I would say it is highly important. I’m a friendship centre baby. I grew up here and I came here for the after-school program.”

Kikinahk was launched in La Ronge in 1976 under the name Neginuk Friendship Centre. It was first located in a small building at the current parking lot of Mistasinihk Place, followed by a property along Finlayson Street for a short period of time.

In the early 1980s, the board at the time decided to expand and purchased a lot at 320 Boardman Street. The gymnasium was built first and over time the facility slowly grew into what it is today.

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The Kikinahk Friendship Centre brings residents together and acts as a heartbeat in the tri-communities. (Image Credit: Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“It was just so that youth had somewhere to go that was a safe and sober place where they can hang out,” explained DeBruyne, noting its original purpose was a drop-in centre.

The Kikinahk assists approximately 1,100 people every year. Current services at the centre includes at HeadStart preschool, cultural support, youth outreach and recreation, summer and after school programs, as well as programming for prenatal and postnatal women, and teens or young parents.

In addition, hundreds of food hampers are distributed around Christmas and a free clothing giveaway is held every three or four months. There are currently 22 staff members at Kikinahk.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Kikinahk Friendship Centre celebrates 50 years

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