Child care spaces on the way for B.C. Métis communities

VICTORIA – The Government of British Columbia is working with Métis Nation BC (MNBC) to open and build more than 200 child care spaces.

MNBC has received $13.9 million in funding since 2022 through the provincial Ministry of Education and child care to create five new child care facilities catering to the cultural needs of Métis families located in Kelowna, Mission, Port Alberni, Terrace and Vernon.

An additional 49 new spaces in Fort St. John will also be created through $6.5 million in provincial funding through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, a release said.

“Métis Nation British Columbia envisions a future where Métis people, communities and children thrive. Culturally relevant child care for Métis children fosters a strong cultural identity and enhances well-being by weaving Métis culture and language into early learning and child care,” MNBC CEO Colette Trudeau said in a statement.