The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Government, supports parents and caregivers as they strengthen and build a foundation of Métis values and cultural practices with their children. Through interactions with family and caregivers, children from birth to five year-years old develop language, motor skills and crucial social connections. Métis families pass down traditions that build strong Métis pride now and in the future.
Since 2019, the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) has made significant investments in early learning and childcare programs and services for children and families. As part of helping families nurture and support their children, MN–S Early Learning & Child Care (ELCC) Ministry introduces a new Early Learning Backpack Program. MN–S continues to foster partnerships and relations with service providers, childcare professionals and families to improve early learning for Métis across the province. The Backpack Program is one way the MN-S is trying to provide Métis specific learning resources for Métis families.
Registered Métis citizens with children five years of age and under can receive specially designed backpacks filled with various learning materials. Younger children will receive baby blankets, and older kids will get everything from markers and crayons to paper, scissors, tape and Métis-focused reading material. The backpacks contain materials to stimulate creativity, hand-eye coordination and learning development. Families will receive practical strategies and resources to help foster imagination and learning in the early years.
“MN–S recognizes the importance of supporting our early learners. During COVID, many young children were unable to attend childcare programs or early learning centres,” said MN–S ELCC Minister, Dr. Earl Cook. “These backpacks will assist young children, in their crucial years of early brain development, as they cut, colour, read, sing and grow.”
MN–S citizens who have registered children under a year old, will automatically receive a full backpack in the mail. For children aged one to five, parents and/or caregivers can obtain information on the application process by calling Kristi Ross at 306-292-7443 or by emailing kross@mns.work.
Start the MN–S citizenship process today at https://metisnationsk.com/citizenship/.
