Early Learning & Child Care
Lii Bufloo Cultural Packages Program
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan proudly introduces the Lii Bufloo Cultural Packages Program! This new initiative is designed to enrich the lives of our youngest Métis citizens by fostering a deep connection to their culture, language, and heritage. Eligible families will receive a variety of cultural packages throughout the year, each filled with activities, games and learning materials.
What’s in the Packages?
Each package is family-centric and culturally enriching, encouraging parental involvement and creating opportunities for families to connect with each other and their Métis roots. There will be items such as games, activity kits, and other learning activities. All materials will be age-appropriate and reflect Métis culture, language, and heritage.
Eligibility Criteria:
Here’s what you need to know to qualify under this year’s program:
- The child(ren) must be an MN-S citizen or in the process of acquiring citizenship. Visit our website https://metisnationsk.com/citizenship/ for citizenship information
- The child(ren) must be between the ages of 0 to 13 years old
- The child(ren) must reside within Saskatchewan
Benefits
- Strengthens family bonds and supports family units through engaging in cultural activities.
- Provides meaningful opportunities for children to connect with their Métis heritage, deepening their understanding and pride in their cultural identity.
- Encourages sharing knowledge and traditions between generations, helping to preserve Métis culture within families.
How to Apply
Please click below for applications.
*Only one application per family is needed.
For more information on the Lii Bufloo Cultural Packages program, please contact Yvonne McKenzie at liibufloo@mns.ca
Lii Bufloo Cultural Package Form
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“Aen Shoohkihaayahkok” – Building a Strong Foundation for our Early Learners
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is looking ahead to 2025 and our annual Early Learning and Childcare conference.
“Aen Shoohkihaayahkok” – Building a Strong Foundation for our Early Learners will bring early learning educators together to learn about Métis culture and best practices in early learning settings.
Métis cultural and early learning presenters will share their knowledge and ways of knowing with participants, delivering research based, developmentally appropriate practices through an early learning lens. The event also promises to be a great opportunity to collaborate with both Métis and non-Métis early educators from inside and outside the Métis Nation.
Travel and accommodation sponsorships will be provided to registered Métis teachers currently employed in elementary schools and childcare professionals currently employed in childcare.
Date: March 7th and 8th, 2025
Location: TCU Place
Registration: Open until February 5th, 2025
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Recognizing Excellence in Early Childcare Education
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is teaming up with the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA) to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of Métis childcare professionals in our province!
MN–S, in partnership with the SECA, is proud to present the Kanawaymawashoohk – “Looking after Children” Métis Early Childhood Educator Awards! 🏆
Nominations will be accepted for those who demonstrate a passion for incorporating Métis culture and language into their learning environments, creating a culturally safe space for Métis children and families, in a licensed childcare facility.
Awards will be presented at the SECA Awards of Excellence Gala on May 3 in Saskatoon.
Categories include:
- Métis Early Childcare Educator
- Métis Family Home Provider
- Métis Centre Director
Nominations are open to Métis citizens who have an ECE Level 1, 2, 3 (or equivalency from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education) and who work in a licensed facility or Head Start program (can include childcare centres, dayhomes, group family homes, teen centres, or Head Start programs).
Help uplift our amazing Métis Early Childcare Educators!
Click here to nominate someone you know!
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan will sponsor the three Métis award winners to attend the SECA Awards of Excellence Gala on May 3 in Saskatoon.
Nominations are open until March 15, 2025
Questions?
Please contact Sandra Mountford for more information.
eceawards@mns.ca
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Ni Pamihaanaanik Nutr Faamii (We’re Supporting Our Families)
The Ni Pamihaanaanik Nutr Faamii program provides financial assistance to support Métis families in Saskatchewan with childcare costs during key school breaks throughout the year. Families with Métis children ages 5-12 can apply for funding to send their children to eligible extracurricular camps during the December, February, and April school breaks.
Funding Details:
- December Break Camp: Up to $500 per child
- February Break Camp: Up to $400 per child
- April Break Camp: Up to $400 per child
Eligibility Criteria:
- The child must be an MN–S citizen or in the process of acquiring citizenship and must not have applied for First Nation status. Please visit https://metisnationsk.com/citizenship/ for citizenship information
- Program is open to the children between the ages of 5-12. The child will not be eligible the month after their 13th birthday
- The applicant (parent/guardian) must be a resident of Saskatchewan
- The applicant (parent/guardian) must be working, going to school or have additional circumstances which require childcare
Please Note: Recipients for the Ni Pamihaanaanik Nutr Faamii may be subject to applicable taxes on amounts received. This may affect Income Supplement programs. T4’s will be issued to the parent/guardian listed on the application.
For more information or questions, please contact Jody at childcaresubsidy@mns.ca
To apply for Ni Pamihaanaanik Nutr Faamii (We’re Supporting Our Families), please click the button below.
Ni Pamihaanaanik Nutr Faamii (We’re Supporting Our Families) Application Form
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The Little Buffalo Reader Program
The Imagination Library is a literacy program for Métis children birth to 4 years. Registered Métis children receive free age-appropriate books each month until their 5th birthday.
If you have any questions, please contact LittleReader@mns.work.
Little Buffalo Application Form
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MN-S Introduces Amachiwayhaataak (Let’s Soar) Program
The Amachiwayhaataak – Let’s Soar Program provides financial support to families of Métis children (age birth to 8). Through this program, families can apply for financial support to assist with the cost of a wide range of services, programs and products, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, assessments, specialized equipment, and glasses.
Let’s Soar Program
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Maatawaytaak (Let’s Play) Program
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) offers the Maatawaytaak (Let’s Play) Reimbursement Program, designed to help cover the costs associated with extra-curricular activities.
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Early Learning and Child Care Subsidy Program
The MN-S Care Subsidy Program offers vital support for Métis families to access affordable childcare. Eligible families with children aged 0 to 12 years may see their childcare fees reduced to as low as $10 per day.
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact ChildCareSubsidy@mns.ca
Early Learning and Child Care Subsidy Program
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