A group of First Nation elders in Calgary are demanding an explanation from the city's Aboriginal Friendship Centre after they say five employees were fired.

The group staged a sit-in at the centre, which Lorna Born With A Tooth helped to organize. She says the employees were good at their jobs.

"I think that's really, really unfair that this is going on," she said. "That's the reason that the elders are really hurt. They're really upset and they want answers."

The group left the building peacefully after police arrived. The lock to the building was changed following their departure.

Born With A Tooth said it's sad to see the centre's doors closed, even temporarily, as it provides essential services to the community.

"They have housed quite a few natives now that never knew what it was like to go home, open their own door, cook their own meal and sleep in their own bed," she said.

The group plans to hold a press conference later today.