Background

The Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services (GPACOS) is an informal information sharing network that is hosted by Children  and Family Services (CFS) Northwest Alberta since 2007.  There are two primary elements to the interagency, the monthly meeting and the email network platform.  Members are invited to attend meetings when they are available, as well as sign up to receive email correspondence that helps share program, event and referral information.  We work to keep the information relevant to the catchment areas, and are able to share information with other AICs, with email networks in Grande Prairie, High Level, High Prairie and  Peace River.

GPACOS promotes a collaborative and holistic approach while engaging in solutions-based dialogue that embraces culture and history, and strives to enhance individual and community work toward the best possible outcomes for  Aboriginal children, families, and communities. Our informal format provides an open avenue to network, partner with one another, and share ideas, resources, and programming information.  Standing sub-committees include the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, the Grande Prairie Round Dance, and the Grande Prairie Traditional Pow Wow, with additional sub-committees formed as the need arises. Due to our informal nature, we also formed Friends of Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services in 2024, a registered non-profit organization created to support fundraising efforts for our events.  Attendance is open to all we welcome allies, and participation is flexible, with no requirement for individuals to attend every meeting.

Meetings

GPACOS meets once per month, from September through June on the fourth Tuesday and are open for anyone to take part; membership is inclusive, flexible and diverse.  It is not required that everyone attends every meeting. All meetings are from 10:00 am –12:00 pm  currently being held online or in-person at the Grande Prairie Museum ( 10329-101 avenue) .

If you would like to add an item to the meeting agenda or do a short presentation about your programs and services, please contact Wendy Goulet. Audio-visual equipment is available for presenters, but please note that the round table portion of our meetings will not be recorded. If you have any questions, contact gpacos@outlook.com

Co-chairs Omarla Cooke & Warren Nekurak

Friends of GPACOS – Indigenous-Led Non-Profit

The Friends of the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services Society (GPACOS) is an Indigenous-led, volunteer-driven non-profit that supports and enhances the work of GPACOS.

While GPACOS focuses on collaboration and service coordination, Friends of GPACOS provides the structure needed to fundraise, host events, and directly support community-led initiatives.

Through this work, we bring community to life by supporting:

• Pow wows and cultural celebrations

• Round dances and community gatherings

• Indigenous markets and artisan vendors

• Youth programming and leadership opportunities

• Cultural workshops focused on wellness, skills, and connection

Grounded in Indigenous leadership and guided by community voices, our work is:

• Culturally rooted

• Inclusive and accessible

• Community-driven

• Built on strong partnerships

All funds raised are reinvested directly into programs and events that benefit the community.

Get Involved

There’s a place for everyone in this work—whether you’re an individual, organization, or business.

Sponsor Our Work
Support Indigenous-led events and initiatives while building meaningful community impact.
 https://northwestaic.com/grande-prairie-pow-wow

Volunteer With Us
No experience needed—just show up and be part of something good. Opportunities range from event support to planning and delivery.

Donate or Partner
Help sustain programming and ensure cultural events remain accessible to all.
friendsofgpacos@gmail.com

Why It Matters

This work is about more than events it’s about creating space for culture, strengthening community, and ensuring Indigenous voices continue to lead the way forward.