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A three-acre lot in Regina’s Westera neighbourhood is the future site of a major development by the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan.
The plan for the property includes an early learning and child-care centre, a service hub and a 16-suite supportive housing unit.
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“Over the last nine years, our government has been identifying gaps in community services and addressing them accordingly,” Glen McCallum, the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan’s president, said in a statement.
“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 plans for the supportive housing unit, which is being constructed in partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, feature a two-storey, 15,244 square-foot building that will act as a transitional living space for women, children and LGBTQ people fleeing domestic violence, with on-site education, employment and counselling services. The Métis nation said the Métis architects will ensure the building is “Métis-distinct and culturally sensitive to the residents.”
“Interpersonal violence is more prevalent in Indigenous communities,” Beverly Fullerton, the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan’s health minister, said in a statement.
“Though the issues vary, most incidents occur because of intergenerational trauma, social conditions, health, addictions or homelessness. The MN–S government is including on site supportive services to the residents to set them up for future success.”
An application process for the supportive housing unit will be available for Métis citizens next year, the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan noted.
The 26,000-square-foot early learning and child-care centre will feature 90 spaces, and will be located next to the supportive housing complex.
The design for the centre includes a gabled roof and wall cladding inspired by Red River/Hudson Bay frame-style homes, the Métis nation noted, and interior designs will invoke traditional Métis beading.
“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,” Ryan Carriere, the nation’s minister of early learning and child care, said in a statement.
“Our educators are selected based on their teaching styles and strong ability to instill Métis values they’ll practice in their older lives.”
As a former educator, Minister Wendy Gervais acknowledged the first day of school in her remarks as regional director for Métis Nation–Saskatchewan WR3.
“Our Métis children deserve to grow up knowing who they are, where they come from, and that their culture and heritage matter. And that is what I see happening here,” Gervais said. “I see a place where our children will be cared for, where our citizens can access the supports they need, and where families can build a stronger future. That is nation-building.”
The centre will also include a hub for Ma Faamii services, where support workers can answer citizens’ questions, assist with forms and provide general information about the Métis nation’s programming and services.
