By Saskatchewan Metis Nation

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Supports Families with a ground-breaking $15 Million Investment

Jul 28, 2022 | 12:29 PM

Strong beginnings create strong futures for Métis children. To support Métis families in Saskatchewan, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is proud to announce a 15-million-dollar investment in early learning and child care programming.

MN–S Early Learning and Child Care Minister Tim Roussin said, “Our Métis Nation government is ommitted to building programs that directly benefit Métis citizens and families in Saskatchewan. The MN–S is putting words into action and fulfilling our commitment to our people, working collaboratively and ensuring that families have the support they need through programs and services that directly benefit them.”

MN–S is pleased to announce the following programs to support Métis families and children in Saskatchewan.

Child Care Subsidy Program
To assist with the rising costs associated with childcare, MN-S is investing $5.4 million into a new Child Care Subsidy, so families can access high-quality and culturally appropriate childcare opportunities. Qualified families can access up to $300.00 per child under 12, monthly. Parents must be registered Métis citizens.

Early Years Accessibility Grant Program:
For eligible Métis families with children who have unique requirements and needs, MN-S is announcing a new Métis Children Accessibility Grant, with an investment of $2 million. The grant is an annual income supplement to assist families with medical and support costs such as development support services, medical or nutritional needs, specialized clothing or therapies, or behavioural interventions.

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Eligible Métis families can receive up to $5,000.00 per child, until the age of eight, to cover expenses.

Lii Bufloo Backpack Program
The MN–S Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Backpack Program reflects an investment of $1.5 million. Lii bufloo maachi kashkihtow aen pakay – the Buffalo Learning Program will distribute special backpacks to eligible children 13 and under. Each pack contains culturally appropriate learning resources to encourage
the early learning process.

Early Learning Language Expansion:
In 2020, MN–S introduced language programs in six pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. Since then, the program has expanded to welcome 300 young learners at participating schools.

With an additional $2.6 million investment, the Metis Early Learning Language programs will expand to include 17 schools in all 12 MN–S regions.

Through the teachings of our Elders, Old Ones and Language Keepers, Dene, Heritage Michif, Northern Michif, French Michif, and Cree will be shared with our Métis children and families.

Community Enhancement Grant:
Announced earlier this month, the Community Enhancement Grant is an investment of $3.5 million and offers Métis Locals up to $50,000 to enhance or develop early learning supports and services. Métis language programs, Elder involvement and land-based learning for children from birth to eight years old are
eligible. A media release and more information on the grant can be found here.

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan is committed to Métis families, to Métis culture, and to strong Métis communities. Today’s announcements will help Métis families in Saskatchewan and ensure that they have the resources needed to raise our Métis children in a strong and vibrant society.

About Métis Nation–Saskatchewan:
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is built on a foundation of Métis identity, culture, values and language. Empowered by the Métis citizens of Saskatchewan, MN–S works to advance Métis rights and strengthen capacity. MN–S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of more than 80,000 Mé tis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional
and provincial levels. Social Media Links: @MNSask, @metisnationsask