Education and Employment

Early childhood development is a crucial stage in building a connection to culture, to land, and to one’s self. High-quality childcare is an effective means of ensuring Métis children’s best possible start in life by addressing their developmental and cultural needs. The MNC and Governing Members worked with federal partners and Indigenous leaders to co-develop the 2018 Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Framework. It includes a Métis Nation Framework, which led to the 2019 Métis Nation Early Learning and Child Care Accord. This has resulted in a flexible funding model that allows Governing Members to identify priorities and create culturally relevant and supportive ELCC for Métis Nation children and their families. 

Post-secondary education is also an important factor in closing the socio-economic gap between Métis Nation citizens and non-Indigenous Canadians. In 2018, Canada and the Métis Nation agreed to co-develop a 10-Year Canada-Métis Nation Post-Secondary Education strategy and Sub-Accord, with an accompanying long-term federal investment. In 2019, an Education Sub-Accord was signed. Associated funds provided direct financial support to Métis Nation students pursuing PSE, and strengthened Governing Members’ institutional and governance capacity for PSE.

Sustainable, well-compensated employment and training are also major cornerstones in ensuring the economic well-being of Métis Nation citizens. Launched in 2019, the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program is a 10-year labour market program designed to increase Indigenous economic participation as well as to support long-term career goals. The MNC works alongside Governing Members, who are agreement holders, in the design and delivery of their respective programs, as well as communicates regularly with the federal government to ensure Métis Nation labour market needs are met.