In the vibrant city of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Stacey Howse, a Mi’kmaw woman from Conne River, Miawpukek First Nation, is making a difference. As the Executive Director of First Light St. John’s Friendship Center, she’s helping Indigenous communities facing challenges in the city.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s history once denied the presence of Indigenous people in the province. This made it hard to recognize Indigenous rights properly. But Stacey and others are working hard to change that. They want acknowledgment and respect for Indigenous people in the city.

Stacey’s journey started when she left her small Mi’kmaq Reserve to study at Memorial University in St. John’s. It was tough adjusting to city life and losing her cultural connection. However, she found comfort and belonging at the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre, now known as First Light. There, she reconnected with her culture and met others who shared her experiences.

Now, as the Executive Director of First Light, Stacey is passionate about bridging the gap between urban living and Indigenous heritage. She’s determined to create a more inclusive future, where Indigenous voices are heard and celebrated. Join us as we discover the inspiring journey of Stacey Howse, a true trailblazer for urban Indigenous empowerment.

Remarkable Journey with First Light

For the past 16 years, Stacey has been an integral part of First Light, starting as a youth center worker while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Indigenous Studies. Throughout her journey in various roles, she has witnessed the tremendous growth and positive impact of First Light in supporting the Indigenous community. Recently, she accomplished a significant milestone by completing her Master of Business Administration, showcasing her commitment to personal and professional development, and advancing the organization’s mission.

Making Empowerment and Impact

First Light’s story began as a support group founded by passionate individuals who recognized the lack of resources available for Indigenous people seeking essential services in St. John’s. In 1983, the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre was officially incorporated, initially operating from a modest office at Memorial University. Fast forward four decades, and First Light has evolved into the city’s sole Indigenous not-for-profit organization, providing invaluable support services, impactful programs, and meaningful cultural initiatives to the community. Its growth and dedication continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of Indigenous individuals and families in the city.

Illuminating Paths of Empowerment

From its humble origins, First Light has grown into a beacon of hope and support for the community it serves. What began as a small support group has flourished, now boasting a team of over 75 dedicated employees and operating across six locations. Remarkably, First Light engages in over 100,000 interactions annually, ensuring that crucial support and services reach the Indigenous community in St. John’s.

At the heart of First Light’s journey is a bold vision – to stand as a leading non-profit organization, championing positive holistic change in St. John’s and its surrounding areas. Embracing the principles of human rights, First Light passionately aims to be a catalyst for the empowerment and liberation of all Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

With a clear sense of purpose, the organization’s mission revolves around delivering transformative programs and services that uplift and empower Indigenous communities and nations. Embracing trust, respect, and friendship as guiding pillars, First Light strives to create inclusive environments that bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. By celebrating cultural diversity, promoting social well-being, and driving sustainable change, First Light envisions a brighter future where Indigenous Peoples can thrive, leaving a legacy of strength and resilience for generations to come.

A Game-Changing Transformation

The pivotal moment of First Light’s journey arrived with its rebranding; a transformation that proved to be truly game-changing. The organization aspired to create an inclusive, approachable, and community-centered identity, one that warmly welcomed both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals. This shift recognized the significance of reflecting its unique history and geographical location, positioning First Light as the primary point of contact for Indigenous individuals arriving in the city.

Driving this evolution, internal restructuring played a crucial role, streamlining efforts and creating distinct departments to enhance efficiency. This strategic move marked a transition from chasing funding opportunities to prioritizing community needs and embracing revenue generation through social enterprises. The outcome was remarkable – First Light’s programming and services could now sustain themselves independently, even in the absence of government funding.

First Light’s triumphant success and invaluable expertise have rippled beyond its local borders. The organization has extended its guidance and support to other like-minded entities, particularly friendship centers across Canada. Through mentorship programs and culturally tailored diversity training, First Light has generously shared its unique history and experiences, fostering a better understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Embracing Challenges with Resilience

The transformation to First Light was not without its share of challenges and setbacks. But through patience, understanding, and open communication, the organization navigated these hurdles with grace. Change proved to be a learning process, as First Light embraced diverse perspectives and fostered effective collaboration. The realization that collective growth stems from recognizing and empowering the strengths of each individual became integral to their remarkable success.

Today, First Light St. John’s Friendship Center stands as a shining beacon of hope and unwavering support for the Indigenous community in the city. Their innovative leadership, organizational transformation, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity have positioned them as true catalysts for positive change.

As they empower Indigenous communities, preserve cultural heritage, and joyfully celebrate diversity, First Light is forging a path towards a brighter future, where Indigenous Peoples can truly thrive. In leaving a profound and lasting legacy for generations to come, First Light’s transformative journey embodies the power of resilience and the boundless potential of unity.

The Key to First Light’s Success

According to Stacey, the keys to driving overall organizational success lie in internal collaboration and teamwork. But equally vital is the collaboration with external stakeholders, such as community organizations, government agencies, and Indigenous communities. By harnessing diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, First Light ensures that its programs, services, and initiatives are closely aligned with their mission, vision, and the needs of the Indigenous communities they serve.

One impactful moment that deeply resonated with Stacey was during a motivational speech by Barack Obama in St. John’s. Obama’s advice to “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you” left a lasting impression on her. This powerful message led her to recognize that intelligence takes various forms and that individuals often feel insecure about their knowledge in certain areas, fearing those with greater expertise. Stacey admits she used to struggle with such insecurities too.

However, a transformative shift occurred when Stacey embraced the security of her own perspective and recognized the unique value she brought to the table. This newfound confidence allowed her to be comfortable around individuals who might be considered “smarter” in certain domains. Understanding that someone else’s strengths do not diminish her own proved to be a game-changer, positively impacting the strength of collaborations she has been a part of.

A Bright Future of Empowerment

The future of First Light shines brightly as the organization witnesses the concerted efforts of talented individuals dedicated to enriching the lives of urban Indigenous people in the city. Simultaneously, there is a strong commitment among many to uplift the lives of Indigenous people in their respective home communities as well.

When a young person chooses to leave their community to pursue education, First Light’s primary aim is to create a comforting and supportive environment that fosters their educational journey. The organization strives to provide the necessary resources and guidance to ensure their continued pursuit of knowledge. Equipped with this education and expertise, when these individuals eventually return to their Indigenous communities, they hold the potential to contribute significantly to making it an even better place. First Light’s ultimate goal is to empower the next generation, enabling them to become agents of positive change.

Please Visit: https://firstlightnl.ca/