Métis residents of BC will be receiving a large chunk of money from the province that is intended to support job-ready skills training within the province.
BC’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, Anna Kang, announced that $7.1 million will be allocated to the Métis Nation British Columbia’s (MNBC) to support Métis students and learners.
Kang made this announcement during a reception commemorating Louis Riel’s life and legacy.
“We honour Louis Riel’s sacrifice and courage,” said Kang. “We honour the significant contributions of the Métis people to British Columbia, and we acknowledge the struggles that Métis people continue to face.”
“Our government is committed to working together to make life better for Métis people throughout BC, including through critical investments in education and skills training.”
This new funding for Métis learners will mainly give them easier, more affordable access to occupational skills training programs. The Métis students will get access to trades apprenticeships, upgrades, trades, certifications and other courses that may lead to gainful employment.
The province’s new funding program for Métis learners will help around 1,000 people advance their learning and equip them with the tools necessary to get well-paying jobs in BC.
“At a time when we see such a large investment in infrastructure from the Province, it is paramount that we can equip our citizens with the job-ready skills needed for these projects,” said Paulette Flamond, MNBC’s Minister of Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary Education.
“This additional round of funding will pay dividends and benefit our Nation for generations to come.”
Vancouver Island has seven Métis communities within the MNBC. The Métis Nation Of Greater Victoria Association, the Alberni-Clayoquot Métis Society, the Cowichan Valley Métis Association, the Mid-Island Métis Nation Association, the Miki’siw Métis Association, the North Island Métis Association and the Métis Nation Powell River will all benefit directly from this funding.
This program is part of the provinces StrongerBC’s Future Ready Plan, an initiative to make education and training easier and more accessible.
As of September 2022, the MNBC has supported 1,825 Métis British Columbians get training or post-secondary education. A record setting number for the MNBC.
