VICTORIA – Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is proud to announce the acquisition of land in Saanich which will see the construction of below-market rate rental housing for Métis families, Métis early learning and child care programs, and office space for Métis Nation Greater Victoria (MNGV).
The purchase, totaling $2,200,000, is part of MNBC’s ambitious goal of creating Métis centres across the province in all seven regions. The funding, provided under the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, gives the governing members of the Métis Nation control over the design, delivery and administration of housing and early years programs. The federal government’s 2018 budget outlined a $500 million investment over 10 years to support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy.
“We know that finding appropriate housing is a challenge for many Métis people in our community, including families and elders. We hope this building will help alleviate the pressure a little. Our vision is for this to be a community space, where Elders can connect with young ones in the child care centre, and families and community in the building. This building will also offer a space for our community to gather for potlucks and cultural activities. Having childcare, community events, office space, and housing close together is an important part of supporting our community’s wellbeing,” said Caitlin Bird, President of Métis Nation of Greater Victoria.
MNBC is partnering with MNGV to collaborate on the build of the housing and early learning and child care programs. Through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, MNBC will engage a qualified development consultant to lead the development of this project.
“Our Cabinet is committed to building a network of Métis housing and childcare centres across BC. I’m excited for our future the work we are doing to take our Nation to new heights,” said Lissa Dawn Smith, MNBC Acting President.
Providing affordable housing, delivering Métis early years programs, and creating space for our Métis Chartered Communities is a key strategic goal of MNBC’s Cabinet and senior leadership team. Over the coming months, MNBC will continue on its progressive agenda with more announcements to come.
“I compliment the MNBC and MNGV for their leadership on this exciting news and a positive opportunity to create additional affordable housing and child care resources in Saanich. This progress required hard and diligent work. Congratulations! I am honoured to have been of some small assistance at the outset. The next step is the community consultation as you prepare the application,” said Fred Haynes, Mayor of Saanich.
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) represents nearly 90,000 self-identified Métis people in British Columbia, approximately one-third of the Indigenous population in BC.
