Métis families in Saanich will benefit from dozens of new licensed child care spaces that recognize and honour Métis culture and heritage, as part of the Province’s commitment to support communities and build resiliency.

“The pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, but one thing it hasn’t changed is our promise to increase access to culturally relevant and inclusive child care,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “The Child Care Rapid Renovation Fund is helping Indigenous communities by offering support for quick changes that improve families’ access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care spaces that are connected to their culture and language.”

The Province’s Child Care Rapid Renovation Fund (CCRRF) supports public-sector partners in quickly creating more child care spaces through ready-to-go renovations and minor upgrades. 

Métis Nation BC (MNBC), in partnership with Island Métis Child and Family Services Society, will create 52 new licensed child care spaces that incorporate Métis culture, language and teachings, guided by local elders, culture keepers and community members.

“We applaud the Province in funding more spaces for our Métis families in child care facilities that provide culturally relevant care,” said Debra Fisher, MNBC Minister of Education. “We know our children can thrive when they are afforded quality care, and look forward to continued partnerships with our Métis service providers that help bolster Métis families on Vancouver Island. My dream is that all our Métis children will grow up knowing they are Métis because it no longer has to be hidden like previous generations. They will be the ones to bring our culture back to the forefront for our families.”

As part of B.C.’s economic recovery plan, the CCRRF supports Indigenous communities, school districts, health authorities and non-profits in quickly creating licensed child care spaces through minor renovations and facility updates. A total of 26 projects in 22 communities received CCRRF support to create 929 new licensed child care spaces by the end of 2021.   

Through the Child Care Rapid Renovation Fund, the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, Start-Up grants and Neighbourhood Learning Centres, the Province has funded almost 26,000 new licensed spaces since the launch of Childcare BC – more than 6,000 of which are now open.

Learn More:

For information on health and safety standards for child care during COVID-19, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/ChildCareCovid-19Response

Child care factsheet: https://news.gov.bc.ca/18430

Learn more about Métis Nation BC Services & Programs: https://www.mnbc.ca/