The Metis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S) will invest $15-million in early learning and child care programs.

There are five programs included in the announcement:

Child Care Subsidy

MN-S is allocating $5.4 million to assist with the rising costs associated with child care.  Qualified families can access up to $300 per month for every child under the age of 12. Parents must be registered Metis citizens.

Early Years Accessibility Grant Program

An investment of $2 million will provide an annual income supplement to assist families with medical and support costs. These include development support services, medical or nutritional needs, specialized clothing or therapies, or behavioural interventions. Eligible Metis families can receive up to $5,000 per child, until age eight, to cover expenses.

Lil Bufloo Backpack Program

This program will distribute special backpacks to eligible children 13 years and under. Each pack contains culturally appropriate learning resources to encourage the early learning process. This program will cost $1.5 million

Early Language Expansion

An additional $2.6 million will expand this program to include 17 additional schools in all 12 MN-S regions. Elders will teach Dene, Cree, Heritage Michif, Northern Michif, and French Michif to Metis children and their families.

Community Enhancement Grant 

The Community Enhancement Grant (announced earlier this month) provides Metis locals up to $50,000 to enhance or develop early learning supports and services.