SASKATOON — Métis Nation-Saskatchewan is committing $3.5 million to launch the Early Learning and Childcare Community Enhancement Program as part of their goal of teaching their language and culture to children.
MN-S held an Early Learning and Childcare conference at the end of April providing a venue to gather information and define the early learning needs of communities from the 12 regions in Saskatchewan.
Part of the planning for the Community Enhancement Grant Program was done during the three-day conference held at the Saskatoon Inn with about 450 elders, knowledge keepers, teachers, educators and early childcare professionals across the province present.
The Community Enhancement Grant is a Métis language and elder program that offers land-based learning for eligible children from birth to eight years old.
MN-S Children, Families, Education and Early Learning Senior Director Lisa Fleming said community-sharing events helped them identify what needs must be addressed before they came up with the Community Enhancement Grant.
“We’ve had an opportunity to host a couple of large events where our communities have come in and shared with us what they want. They’ve talked lots about how we build programming where our elders are,” said Fleming.
“Our elders are very important and can be involved in supporting our children. Linking those generations as well as focusing on language development … is the first of its kind. We are excited and looking forward to learning from what our communities have to share with us.”
She added that they are also optimistic about the impact it would bring to communities that would use the program as they try to replicate it and expand it into other communities.
MNS Minister of Early Learning and Child Care Tim Roussin said they recognize the power of teaching the Métis culture and language to the young and that is why they are proud to announce the $3.5 million funding for the program.
“Research indicates children who experience high quality and culturally relevant early learning programming have greater vocabularies, enjoy reading and have socialization skills. [MNS] values the role of Métis locals as the backbone in our communities,” said Roussin.
He added that the community enhancement grants will provide up to $50,000 to Métis locals to develop, enhance or support early learning activities, programs and services.
“Funds can be accessed to increase elder involvement in childcare and early learning settings, enhance Métis languages such as Michif, Dene and Cree; build land-based learning opportunities for Métis children,” said Roussin.
“Along with our children, Métis families, educators and communities will also benefit from this programming. Enhancing and developing programing that practices Métis culture has a positive effect on everyone. This work contributes to brighter futures and children who become strong Métis leaders in their communities.”
MNS president Glen McCallum said serving their citizens is what drives their government to provide for their needs.
“We are committed to building capacity in Métis locals that focus on our children and families across the province, in the north, central and south. Métis language programs, learning from our Elders, and land-based learning lead to Métis children grounded in our Métis culture, values and language. Gifting our children with pride in their Métis identity strengthens our Métis nation,” said McCallum.
