Ma Faamii Centre opens in Prince Albert as Métis hub

The centre includes an early learning child-care program with 90 spaces, including spots for babies, toddlers and preschool children. McLennan said the child-care program is fully operational. Children are not required to be Métis to attend the day care.

“If you need a space for daycare, it’s also subsidized, so $10 a day,” she said. “It’s an awesome space to be in. Lots of equipment, culture and, you know, we’re going to start having access to elders.”

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan president Glen McCallum said the Prince Albert building is one of several Ma Faamii centres planned for larger urban centres across the province, with others identified for Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton and Beauval. North Battleford’s Ma Faamii is already open.

“Early learning is written in the front of this building, but there’s a lot more happening,” McCallum said. “Ma Faamii buildings, you know, is a hub for people to come and get information, share information, and know what the government is doing.”

McCallum said the centres are intended to help Métis citizens connect with supports, including education and housing opportunities, while strengthening partnerships with municipalities and other levels of government.

“To be able to have places like this where you know that you will be supported and respected and understood, that you can find your way to be able to establish a good life for yourself and the opportunity maybe to be able to own your own home or go back to school,” he said.

Housing will part of the broader development around the Prince Albert site.

“It’s going to house our people now, rent-to-own housing. And it’s going to be like a Métis community here,” she said, adding there is also hope for an elders lodge in the future.

The four-plexes, which have been described as tiny homes have been constructed and will be moved on site once all approvals are in place from the city.

The centre also includes a tribute to Taya Sinclair, whose remains were found near the site. McLennan said Sinclair, who was Métis and from Prince Albert, will continue to be remembered at the centre.

Taya Sinclair’s mother and son, to the right, helped unveil a portrait that will hang in the building. Sinclair’s was found murdered not far from where the Ma Faamii building is located. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)

Sinclair’s mother, Lory Zimmer, was there to help unveil the portrait of her daughter that will stay in the building located not far from where Sinclair’s body was found.

“As her mother, I’m very proud that she’s going to be recognized and remembered and never forgotten,” Zimmer said through tears.

Sinclair’s young son was also on hand.

“We will always acknowledge her and we will keep her picture up in our centre for all the days that I’m here anyway, and never let her be forgotten,” McLennan said.

McLennan said the tribute can also help start conversations about safety, awareness and education, including programming such as self-defence, awareness and survival classes offered through Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and local organizations.

McCallum said continued co-operation will be needed to address issues facing Métis families, communities and cities across Saskatchewan.

“It’ll take time,” he said. “But if we don’t work together and begin telling each other in regards to what’s important or what we’re capable of doing, it shows what we’ve done with this building that is here.”

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Ma Faamii Centre opens in Prince Albert as Métis hub

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