MNBC, SD#75, ESDC FIP & FVMA Partner for new Child Care Spaces

March 30, 2023

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the Fraser Valley Métis Association (FVMA) are proud to announce a new partnership with the Mission Public School District (SD #75) to bring new distinctions -based child care spaces for Métis children and families within the West Heights’s School community in Mission BC. These spaces will also be inclusive of families of all ancestries (Indigenous and non-Indigenous).

MNBC will purchase a new modular building to be placed on school district property at West Heights Elementary. The partnership will include a long-term agreement to provide child care spaces in the modular with culturally relevant early learning programming.

“Building a network of Métis early learning and child care programs is a pivotal moment in our Nation’s history,” said Debra Fisher, MNBC Minister of Education (K-12, Early-Years). “Ensuring that Métis children can attend early years programs at facilities that are culturally relevant and exposes them to the rich heritage we hold so near to our heart will have a long-lasting, positive effect on their lives. A dream come true.”

“Every child deserves the best start in life,” said Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould. “These new distinctions-based spaces will improve access to high-quality early learning and child care that takes into account cultures, languages, traditions, values and customs that is essential for Métis children and families.”

The project is in the initial stages, with the partners developing the project scope, budget, timelines, and agreements necessary to satisfy funding and legislative requirements. A public engagement process will begin in the next few weeks with both MNBC Citizens and West Heights community stakeholders. More information will be posted on the www.engagempsd.ca website as it becomes available.

“On behalf of the Mission Board of Education SD75, we want to convey our heartfelt thank you to Métis Nation for the purchase of a new modular building to provide child care spaces with culturally relevant early learning programming for the school community of West Heights and the Mission community. We look forward to this partnership.”

Shelley Carter, Board Chair SD75

Vice Chair – Tracy Loffler

Trustees – Randy Cairns, Linda Hamel and Jash Bains

Funding was provided under the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care program, and the goal is to have the new child care spaces available for early 2024.

For more information, contact:

Mission Public School District

33046 Fourth Avenue

Mission, BC

V2V 1S5

604-826-6286

info.sd75@mpsd.ca

NT5