Originally named the Valley Native Friendship Centre (VNFC), the Society was established in 1975 in Duncan, B.C.  Members of the local community, particularly Cowichan Band Chief  Dennis Alphonse, Duncan Mayor Mike Coleman and initial Board President Alfie McDames, saw a need for a cultural bridge between the local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. 

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There was also an obvious need for services to alleviate the problems the urban Aboriginal population was facing in the areas of health, social, housing and employment.  Following the historic pattern of the Friendship Centre movement, the VNFC began as a referral service that survived on fundraising and grants and volunteer labour.  Initial premises were at the old rectory beside St. Ann's Church, then relocated to a small office in downtown Duncan on Station St.

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The VNFC succeeded in obtaining core funding from Secretary of State in 1982.  At that time, the Centre moved to the Log Mart on the highway.  Again, following the historic trend of the Friendship Centre movement, the VNFC provided more and more direct services, as it grew and evolved.  The Family Support Worker program first began to be funded in 1988 by the Ministry of Social Services and Housing.  Healthiest Babies Possible program began in 1989 funded through the Ministry of Health.  Also in 1989, the Addictions program began, funded through the Ministry of Labour.   

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