First Light Makes Organizational Changes to Strengthen Community- and Culture-Centred Approach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 28, 2025

St. John’s, NL – Over the past year, First Light has been on a path of necessary transformational change to ensure that everything we do as an organization places community and culture at the centre. This realignment to community and culture has been guided by our Strategy Wheel – a living framework and compass that reflects our collective vision, values, and priorities as a Friendship Centre serving the urban Indigenous community in St. John’s.

Our Strategy Wheel reflects a return to Indigenous ways of knowing and being – grounded in relationships, community, and holistic understanding. It guides us to move beyond transactional ways of working and toward a deeper commitment to connection, cultural reclamation, and collective empowerment. It reminds us that our work is not just about delivering services, but about walking together, lifting each other up, and creating lasting change for future generations.

As part of this journey, we’ve taken intentional steps that reflect the continued evolution of our organization. In recent days, we’ve made changes that free up capacity and create space for new opportunities. These changes were made thoughtfully and with great care, and they reflect our commitment to managing resources in a way that is responsible, sustainable, and impactful.

This evolution will allow us to invest more intentionally and strategically in the programs, services, and people that are best positioned to support community in culturally-grounded ways. It will also help us create clearer pathways for staff to lead with their strengths, collaborate more meaningfully, and remain grounded in the needs and voices of the community we serve.

We hold deep appreciation for the contributions of all those who have helped shape First Light’s journey. The dedication, passion, and energy shared along the way have strengthened our foundation and continue to guide us as we grow.

As we move forward, First Light remains deeply rooted in our responsibility to community. Guided by our values and grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, we remain committed to walking in transparency, accountability, and good relations. While change can bring discomfort, it also creates space for growth, renewal, and deeper connection. With this next step, we walk together with humility, with purpose, and with hope toward a stronger, more culturally grounded future for generations to come.