Métis Nation British Columbia receives an additional $2,750,000 in COVID funding to Support Métis Citizens and Chartered Communities

Press Release

Métis Nation British Columbia’s (MNBC) has received an additional $2,750,000 in COVID funding to continue supporting Chartered Communities and Métis Citizens through COVID recovery. This fourth wave of funding is part of an additional contribution the Government of Canada has made to the Indigenous Community Support Fund as part of its ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities.

MNBC’s COVID-19 Response Committee has continued to assess the needs and priorities of our communities, with the goal of providing as much support where it is needed most. The goal of the recommendations is to continue to support Chartered Communities and their current efforts in COVID-19 response and recovery, and to provide additional funding to build capacity to support them in these efforts. The Committee will meet immediately to make recommendations to MNBC’s Cabinet at the next Cabinet meeting in November.

“We are thankful for the Government of Canada’s additional contribution, recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is still not behind us,” says Lissa Dawn Smith, MNBC Acting President. “Throughout the pandemic we have provided an historic level of support for MNBC Citizens and Chartered Communities through innovative new programs. I look forward to seeing the recommendations from staff and putting forward a plan that will have maximum benefit for Citizens.”

To date, MNBC has provided the following supports to MNBC Citizens, Chartered Communities, and service providers during the various waves of COVID-19:

• $2,000,000 to support Métis post-secondary students;
• Over $1,500,000 in direct funding to Chartered Communities;
• $1,600,000 in funding to the five Métis service providers and other children and family programs;
• Over $500,000 in funding to the Métis Financial Corporation of BC;
• $450,000 in funding to support Métis Counselling Connections allowing over 700 Métis individuals access counselling services;
• $130,000 funding to support Métis elders;
• Nearly 2,000 Métis Citizens supported through housing and utility supplements;
• Nearly 1,000 Métis students received education technology support grants;
• Over 60 Métis veterans received a $500 grant;
• Over 300 Métis individuals accessed a $250 Harvester Support Fund;
• $160,000in funding to support Métis artists with grants, Métis artist talks, and culture sharing workshops.

Details on the programs and services, and how to apply, will be released in the coming weeks.

IHT5