Communities in Action: Under One Sky
Lasting change often begins when people come together at the community level. Across Atlantic Canada, grassroots organizations are showing how creativity, resilience, and collaboration can lead to meaningful transformation as well as growth in our communities and economy. One powerful example is Under One Sky Friendship Centre in Fredericton, New Brunswick—an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to supporting urban Indigenous families through culturally-grounded, community-driven programs.
Under One Sky’s mission is rooted in cultural revitalization, wellness, and empowerment. Their holistic model of care includes early childhood education, youth mentorship, health supports, cultural programming, and employment readiness. These services not only reflect the lived realities and aspirations of the people they serve but also contribute to broader economic and social development goals.
“The Centre is not just a space for gathering; it’s an environment built on a foundation of reconciliation, healing, and mutual respect,” said Executive Director Patsy McKinney. “While the Centre is open to everyone, its efforts are particularly focused on reaching out to the most vulnerable members of the community.”
This commitment to community-led progress is exemplified in their latest initiative: the Awitgati Longhouse and Cultural Centre, a building showcasing innovation in its green building technology, designed and built to exceed net-zero carbon standards. Supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), this new facility represents a significant step forward in building sustainable, community-based economic growth.
In addition to addressing the need for more space, the Centre will offer hands-on skills training aligned with local employment opportunities—helping prepare community members for meaningful careers and contributing to long-term economic resilience. This will be accomplished by working with their partners from the business community and post-secondary educational institutions. The Centre will also host language revitalization programs, traditional ceremonies, and services that support mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. These culturally rooted programs not only strengthen identity and social cohesion but also enhance workforce readiness and community capacity.
“It's really important that we can have a space where we can actually be who we are, stand in our identity and not ever have to apologize,” McKinney said. “With support from ACOA, the Friendship Centre will continue to be a powerful force for positive change—economically, socially, and culturally.”
Innovation isn’t always about technology or scale. It can be found in preserving heritage, building trust, and creating solutions that reflect a community’s values. Under One Sky exemplifies this kind of innovation—grounded in tradition, guided by community, and focused on building a stronger, more inclusive economy from the inside out.