Metis Community
Metis Service Providers, Chartered Communities, MNBC
Building Connections to places where Metis people gather in celebration, friendship, and services that are sensitive to the needs of Metis people.
Miyo-pimatisiwin
Translates (approximately) into English as “living well,” the “good life,” or as “being alive well.”
Miyo-ohpikihawasowin
When Métis live these two values, we practice miyo-ohpikihawasowin, ‘good child-rearing.’
Wicēhtowin
As with miyo-pimatisiwin, Métis inherit the term wicēhtowin from their Cree cousins. Wicēhtowin can be translated, simply, as “fellowship”.
located on the traditional unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people in the beautiful Secwépemc ulu
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak
Services:
- Elder’s council
- Michif Early Childhood Development Services (Indigenous Supported Child Development and Indigenous Infant Development)
- Child and Youth Mental Health (a holistic approach that ensures life promotion for all Métis families by building meaningful connections and reminding children/youth who they are as proud Métis people)
- Family Wellness (assisting parents to achieve goals that will contribute to the safety and well-being of their children and family and remember the strength and resiliency that they carry within them as Métis people)
- Michif Prevention Services (support services that help parents achieve goals that contribute to the health and safety of their children and family)
- Kinship and Community (providing a safe home that promotes a child’s spiritual, physical, emotional, mental and cultural well-being while in chare)
- Child Protection Services
- Kikekyelc supported youth housing (ages 16-27)
- Indigenous Youth Support Services
Our vision is that all Metis children, youth and families live with love, honour, dignity, and respect knowing they belong to a strong proud people with a unique heritage and cultural identity.
located on the traditional unceded territories of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen peoples.
Metis Family Services
Services:
- Intake and Family Services (The Intake and Family Service teams are delegated under the Child, Family, and Community Services Act (CFCSA) to review, assess, and investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Supports are then provided to families to mitigate safety risks to Métis children. The team utilizes the family's strengths and natural supports, and makes referrals to community partners in order to overcome barriers to child safety. Métis Family Services works collaboratively with community partners, families, and their networks to keep children with their natural family whenever possible.)
- Supervised Access (supervised visits between parents and other family members and children in temporary or permanent care)
- Youth Workers (life and independence skills for teens between 16-19)
- Guardianship (community, cultural connections and permanency for children and youth in temporary or continuing care of the Director)
- Resources (recruits and trains new caregivers and provides support to family members caring for children in their home)
- Rapid Response (working collaboratively with families to connect them to connect to other community supports, strengthen community ties and promote child safety)
- Child and Family Group Therapy (provides resources to assist children and their families who are struggling with the effects of untreated and unresolved trauma)
- Cultural Activities (connecting individuals and families to Métis Elders, knowledge keepers and mentors)
- Drop in Support Services for Families
- Métis Infant Development Program and Early Years Support
- Elder Program
- Outreach Parenting (supporting parents to learn new parenting skills, establish household routines and develop coping skills)
- Adoption
- Resolutions and Reconnect (increasing resolutions for children to return home, reside with extended family or to have permanency planning within the Métis Community by collaboration between a facilitator, an Elder, a Reconnect worker, Social Workers and families)
Metis Family Services is a non-profit society whose vision is to advocate for both a world in which Metis children (all children) and families have the right to family ties, security, culture, love, acceptance, and opportunities for success.
Metis Family Services is committed to working collaboratively with children and families supporting our communities, while increasing capacity to nurture and care for children and families in an inclusive manner that honours Metis traditions and culture.
located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh people
Niw???win Family Services Society
Services:
- K??i Awâsis Learning Centre (child care program for kids ages 0-school age);
- Family Strengthening Program (Family Empowerment and Preservation, child and youth mental health referrals, Elder program, Cultural Activities program, ages and stages information, assistance with Métis Citizenship applications, referrals to community resources)
Niwikowin Family Services Society will promote the health (physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually) and well-being of the Metis community by: increasing cultural awareness to the communities in the Prince George and its geographical area. Honouring and supporting the importance of a healthy family environment in the delivery of holistic programs and services; and encouraging stronger relationships among Metis Elders and our youth and our families and our community.
located on the traditional lands of the Lukwungen, Kosapsum, Scia’newm & T’Souke peoples
Island Metis Family and Community Services Society
Services:
- Family Connections – Services that support families to remain together in safety or reconnect children back into their family if they have been placed in care
- Family visitation – supported family visits for parents and extended family to spend time with their children if their children are in care
- Life Skills
- Okay! Let’s Play – large-motor play program for kids 0-8 and caregiver
- Baby Massage – newborns to 10 months
- Island Métis Childcare Centre
Our vision is to see the Metis people growing within our culture, extended family and community. Island Metis Family and Community Services Society is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Metis people on Vancouver Island
Located on the traditional, unceded territory of the syilx people
Metis Community Services Society of BC
Services:
- Aboriginal Infant Development Program
- Aboriginal Supported Childhood Development Program
- Family Preservation
- Family Support
- Roots Program
- Peetigway Famii Program
- Early Childhood Outreach
- Metis Family Outreach
- Metis Family Resources
- Trauma Therapy
- Child Trauma Play Therapy
- Mental Health & Substance Use Counselling
- Metis Family Cultural Support
- Cultural Events
- Aboriginal Headstart Program
- IMT’Care Telehealth
- Indigenous Youth & Gender Project
- Aboriginal Father’s Engagement
Metis Community Services Society of BC is a non-profit society that is recognized and empowered by Metis citizens in BC to provide holistic services that ensure the health and well-being of the Metis community. MCSSBC promotes the health and well-being of the Metis community as we: increase cultural awareness to BC communities which reflects our unique heritage; honour and support the importance of a healthy family environment in the delivery of holistic programs and services; encourage stronger relationships among our Metis Elders, youth and families and our community
Metis Charter Communities
Chartered communities are localized Métis communities that are run by volunteers that offer programs and support to Métis people across BC. Some communities allow you to attend events even if you are not a citizen of MNBC. Connecting to Chartered communities provides the opportunity for children and youth to connect to deep culture. The charter will allow access to Elders, cultural events and a self of belonging among their people that can’t be accessed through surface culture within the home.
located on the traditional unceded territories of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen peoples
MNBC
MNBC represents the section 35 rights of over 23,000 Métis citizens who are registered with MNBC and advocates for the over 98,000 self-identified Métis in British Columbia.MNBC represents thirty-nine (39) Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia. MNBC’s mandate is to develop and enhance opportunities for Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services.Métis Nation BC is recognized by the Métis National Council, Provincial Government of British Columbia, and the Federal Government of Canada, as the Governing Nation for Métis in BC. (from MNBC website)
Services:
- Imagination Library (literacy program ages 0-4 years)
- Métis Child Care Benefit (The Métis Child Care Benefit (MCCB) is a monthly benefit to support parents with their Licensed or Registered License-Not-Required childcare and Licensed Preschool fees ages 0-12)
- Métis Family Connections Early (0-8) and Middle (9-12) Years ( focused on helping families build a network of support that provides children with opportunities for early learning and childhood development. Métis Family Connections Navigators assist families to access programs and services that are available in their region and connect them to community and culture.)
- Miyoopimatishihk Program (available to children from birth to eight, who are enrolled in the Métis Family Connections Program, families can apply for financial support to assist with the cost of a wide range of services, programs and products, including but not limited to respite care, speech therapy, assessments, specialized equipment, and mental health support)
Citizenship:
For more information and to apply for Citizenship, please see: mnbc.ca/citizens-culture/apply-citizenship