Metis Nation-Saskatchewan is hosting a three day early learning conference in Saskatoon where 350 delegates are expected to attend.

Keynote speakers are Krissy Lemaigre, Karen Bouvier and Dr. Debbie Pushor. Metis Elders, educators and child care professionals are gathering to exchange early learning ideas and best practices

MN-S says studies have shown that children develop stronger cognitive abilities, social development skills and are more school-ready with high-quality early learning and child care. Metis Nation-Saskatchewan believes the power of bringing together Métis Elders together with Metis children and young people helps build strong kinships and promotes Métis cultural identity in its communities.

The Guiding Our Children – Elders Sharing their Voice early learning conference kicked off Friday at the Saskatoon Inn. MN-S president Glen McCallum says the
conference is designed to help delegates gain an understanding of regional early learning needs and identify opportunities for growth.

On Friday, Federal Minister of Families Children and Social Development participated in the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan early learning and child care conference taking place in Saskatoon.

Karina Gould brought attention to two projects led by MN-S including $3 million dollars for a Teaching and Support out Children project which will access parents’ knowledge, language and Métis and First Nation cultural awareness to improve early development and school readiness for their children, in the Pinehouse Lake community.

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan also received over $337,000 as part of the Indigenous early learning and child care quality improvement projects for their Who I Am project. The recently completed project developed culturally relevant early learning and child care resources to help develop a strong sense of Métis identity in the 12 Métis Nation regions in Saskatchewan.