Language Revitalization
Learning, practice, and Indigenous language.
Community · Culture · Connection
A place to gather. A future to build.
The Anishinaabe Friendship Center is a growing, board-led community organization creating culturally sensitive and inclusive opportunities for friendship, support, and empowerment across Mid-Michigan.
Our Mission
Friendship, support, and empowerment.
AFC creates culturally sensitive and inclusive opportunities for Native families, elders, youth, artists, vendors, and community members across Greater Lansing.
Dance by the River Powwow helps people reconnect and strengthen cultural ties, but the need extends beyond one annual gathering.
Beyond The Annual Powwow
Building Toward a Permanent Native Community Center
AFC is building toward a year-round home for language revitalization, youth and elder programming, cultural education, workshops, community meals, gatherings, and support services.
~1,500First-year attendees
~2,500Attendees in 2025
5,000–7,000Projected for 2026
Future Programming Goals
Year-round opportunities for community.
The permanent center will support cultural continuity, learning, creativity, wellness, and connection.
Youth Programming
Participation, mentorship, and connection.
Cultural Workshops
Teachings and hands-on knowledge sharing.
Community Gatherings
Friendship, meals, wellness, and support.
Elder Programming
Connection, participation, and engagement.
Artist & Vendor Support
Opportunities for Native artists and makers.
Educational Opportunities
Workshops, partnerships, and learning.
Year-Round Events
Programming beyond annual gatherings.
About AFC
A community organization building for the future.
AFC is a board-led organization serving Native individuals, families, and the wider Greater Lansing community through culture, education, relationships, and support.
Learn more about AFCAFC History
Restoring a place for community.
Following the closure of the Woodlands American Indian Center in 1999, the community lost an important cultural hub. AFC was created to help restore that connection and build toward a permanent center that can serve people throughout the year.
Join The Work
There is a place for you here.
Attend, volunteer, sponsor, donate, or simply help more people learn about AFC.
A
Attend
Join Dance by the River Powwow on September 26–27, 2026.
Event details →V
Volunteer
Help welcome the community and support event operations.
View shifts →S
Sponsor
Invest in cultural events, year-round programming, and AFC’s future Native Community Center.
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Donate
Support language, youth, elders, education, community gatherings, and permanent center development.
Support AFC →