"To improve holistically the quality of life, cultural distinctiveness, and the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people in the Nicola Valley."

In 1968, four individuals were inspirational in recognizing the need to establish a Friendship Centre in the Nicola Valley to serve the growing population of urban Aboriginal people. In the early stages of planning and development resources were limited and their own homes were used as collateral to maintain facilities to deliver the first social programs to urban Aboriginal people.

In June of 1975, under the Societies Act, the Province of British Columbia recognized the Nicola Valley Friendship and Counselling Society as a non-profit community based organization. In 1983, under the direction of the society membership and board of directors, the Nicola Valley Friendship Centre changed its name to its current name, the Conayt Friendship Society.

The term Conayt originated from Nlaka:pamux or Ntlakyapamuk, the Thompson language. Conayt means "helping others". In keeping with this philosophy, Conayt has built a community image to improve holistically the quality of life, cultural distinctiveness, and strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal members in our community.