REGINA, Sask. — A ground blessing ceremony in Regina on Wednesday marked the beginning of a major Métis Nation–Saskatchewan development designed to bring child care, citizen services and supportive housing together in one community hub.
The three-acre site in the new Westera neighbourhood will eventually include a 90-space Early Learning and Child Care Centre, a Ma Faamii citizen support centre and a 16-suite supportive housing complex.
For MN–S President Glen McCallum, the project represents what Métis self-government can look like when it is built around the needs of citizens.
“Over the last nine years, our government has been identifying gaps in community services and addressing them accordingly,” McCallum said. “The Regina project helps connect our citizens to government programs and services. This is your government in action and what Métis self-government is about.”
The development is also intended to provide a place to heal.
Working with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Government of Saskatchewan, MN–S is constructing a two-storey, 15,244-square-foot transitional living complex for women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals fleeing domestic violence.
The building will provide education, employment and counselling supports, along with 16 supportive housing suites.
An Early Learning and Child Care Centre will sit next door, giving residents with children access to child care close to home.
MN–S Minister of Health Beverly Fullerton says the housing component recognizes that escaping violence is only the first step toward rebuilding a life.
“Interpersonal violence is more prevalent in Indigenous communities,” Fullerton said. “Though the issues vary, most incidents occur because of intergenerational trauma, social conditions, health, addictions or homelessness.”
She says the project is designed to go beyond providing a roof over someone's head.
“The MN–S government is including on-site supportive services to the residents to set them up for future success,” Fullerton said.
Métis architects will guide the design of the supportive housing complex to ensure the space is culturally sensitive and distinctly Métis.
Residents will also go through an application process before the housing opens next year.
But the project is about more than housing and immediate support.
The 26,000-square-foot Early Learning and Child Care Centre will provide 90 spaces and become part of the growing Métis child-care network being developed across Saskatchewan.
MN–S Early Learning and Child Care Minister Ryan Carriere says putting Métis culture at the centre of early childhood education can have an impact that lasts well beyond the classroom.
“It’s important that our children are immersed in their Métis culture at a young age so they grow up with a strong sense of self,” Carriere said.
The centre will be designed by Métis architects and built with Métis construction companies and other local partners.
Its exterior will feature a gabled roof and wall cladding inspired by Red River and Hudson Bay frame-style houses.
Inside, warm wood ceilings, white walls and colour accents will draw inspiration from Métis beadwork.
The centre is also intended to connect children with Métis identity, language and traditions from their earliest years.
Programming will incorporate Michif, Cree and Dene, with local Elders contributing through storytelling and cultural guidance.
And while the child-care centre will focus on the youngest members of the community, the Ma Faamii service hub is designed to help the entire family.
Ma Faamii, which means “my family” in Michif, is intended to be a one-stop connection point between Métis citizens and their government.
MN–S Child and Family Services Minister Loretta King says making those connections easier is a priority.
“Ma Faamii is an important connector between our MN–S government and our citizens,” King said.
Support workers will help citizens navigate MN–S programs and services, answer questions and assist with forms and applications.
The Regina hub will serve people in the city and surrounding communities, expanding a network that already includes centres in Saskatoon and North Battleford, with Yorkton joining the network this week.
