Métis Nation Saskatchewan has announced the construction of a new 90-space daycare in the provinces third largest city.
A ground breaking and blessing ceremony was held today for the Prince Albert Ma Faamii Centre, with kids from the Aboriginal Head Start Program being the first to break ground.
The new centre will be built just down the road from the Alfred Jenkins Field House, shown below.
The goal of the day care space is to create affordable, safe and secure childcare for Metis people in the city while also promoting culture, language and nutrition.
Earlier this month MN-S announced the construction of another childcare space in Saskatoon. Today at the ceremony, MN-S Minister of Early Learning and Child Care, Sherry McLennan said that MN-S plans to build another centre in Regina and potentially more across the province in the future.
“We have to now start using our elders, and build programs in regard to the importance of language, identity, culture, and values and that’s what will be taught at these facilities that we’re building here, and it’s a complement to the city but more importantly our Métis people that live here,” said MN-S president, Glen McCallum
The MN-S owns roughly 26 acres of land where the centre is being built and has future plans for the rest of the area. 18 housing units will be built on the land which will serve as rent to own properties for new Metis families.
“When it’s all said and done a few years from now, we’re going to have a vibrant neighborhood that’s really focused on building families and opportunities for our citizens,” said MN-S, Director of Infrastructure, Jason Mercredi.
Phase one of construction which involves building the Ma Faamii Centre is expected to take roughly 18 months to complete.