NationTalk: Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S)’s Early Learning Language program is expanding throughout the province. Six new school divisions are partnering with the Early Learning and Child Care Ministry (ELCC) to bring Michif and Dene to young students in all 12 MN–S regions. Cree programs will be offered in the northern region.

MN–S President Glen McCallum said, “Our Métis Nation-Saskatchewan government partnered with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) in 2018 and has been working in tandem along with elders to integrate distinctions-based Métis cultural content and perspectives in the classroom. The language programs are a result of that cooperation. To be able to nurture cultural revitalization through our children to their family unit is extremely gratifying.”

At its March meeting, the Provincial Métis Council (PMC) approved the expansion of the Early Learning Language Programs. This fall, all 12 MN–S Regions in Saskatchewan offer Indigenous language programs to their early learners. The six new school divisions include Living Sky, Northern Lights, Horizon, Good Spirit and Prairie Valley. The MN-S partnership further support efforts to promote, preserve, protect and revitalize Indigenous languages.

During its pilot year in 2020, the Michif and Dene Early Learning Language Programs (MELLP/DELLP) supported 130 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students in six school divisions. The program expanded in the 2021-22 school year (2021-2022) supporting over 300 Metis children with Heritage Michif, Northern Michif, French Michif and Dene.

The Northern Lights School Division is introducing the Cree language learning program to pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students at the Pre Cam School in La Ronge and Ministik School in Cumberland house.

The expansion of the Early Learning Language programs is expected to attract more than 600 young students province-wide.

To find out where the Early Learning Language program is offered in your region, contact the school divisionnearest you and enroll your child today.

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About Métis Nation–Saskatchewan:

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is built on a foundation of Métis identity, culture, values and language. Empowered by the Métis citizens of Saskatchewan, MN–S works to advance Métis rights and strengthen organizational capacity. MN– S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of more than 80,000 Métis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional and provincial levels. Social Media Links: @MNSask, @metisnationsask

For Media Inquiries:

Rena Montgomerie – MN–S Senior Communications Officer r.montgomerie@mns.work or 306-250-1092