The Association des Francophones et Francophiles du Nord-Ouest was founded in 2000 by a group of Francophones from Quebec who came here (and specifically to Kitimat) for work. On June 23, 2000, a board of directors was chosen and the official recording started, with the help of founder (and first CEO) Odette Tremblay. The original President was a Francophile, Nancy Donnelly. In November 2000, AFFNO officially became a non-profit corporation. The office existed in Kitimat until the end of 2010 when Council decided to move the office to Prince Rupert where we are still today. AFFNO also expanded its region in 2011 to include Haida Gwaii. AFFNO is a regional non-profit association, led by a Board of Directors made up of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and regional directors who represent their own cities. There are approximately 5,000 Francophones in the Northwest region - Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton, Smithers, and surrounding areas.