May 31, 2012
New Intergenerational Children's Centre Celebrates Official Opening
– – –Makoonsag (Many LIttle Bears) Provides a Positive Start for Infants, Parents and Families
The Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba; the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; and Councillor Dan Vandal, on behalf of Mayor Sam Katz; today joined founder and director of development Eleanor Thompson, elders and community members at the official opening of Makoonsag (Many Little Bears), the new child‑care and intergenerational learning centre on Selkirk Avenue.
Services at the centre are directed to Aboriginal and new immigrant families, providing positive reinforcement and educational support that will help improve the future for children and families in Winnipeg.
“An investment in child care is an investment in healthy, vibrant neighbourhoods,” said Premier Selinger. “Quality child care provides a safe and caring atmosphere for children, allowing parents to support their families and thrive in their communities. This facility will also benefit adults by offering education and training supports to improve employment qualifications and help with the challenges of cultural adaptation for new Canadians.”
“Through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, our government is working with partners to improve economic opportunities for urban Aboriginal people,” said Minister Duncan. “The urban Aboriginal population is young and growing and we continue to look for ways to remove barriers to their success through education, training and other measures.”
“I am proud of the City of Winnipeg contribution to this important, new facility. Investments in our youth ensure the City of Winnipeg is laying a solid foundation to build a stronger tomorrow,” said Mayor Katz. “My council colleagues and I are committed to building a better future with our Aboriginal Youth Strategy, Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak (Young Aboriginal People Leading).”
As part of the Urban Circle Training Centre Inc., Makoonsag includes:
- a 52-space child-care facility, with 12 infant and 40 preschool spaces, to serve over 330 Selkirk Avenue students as well as families in the North End/William Whyte communities;
- an early learning and child-care centre, which will provide a unique demonstration site for teaching early childhood education with a focus on intergenerational learning;
- the delivery of a two-year Early Childhood Education Diploma Training Program and a new introductory course for child-care assistants in partnership with Red River College;
- an intergenerational learning centre that features space for cultural and cross-cultural teachings and ceremonies, visual and performing arts, disease prevention education, and safety and gang awareness, among others; and
- the development of a green space behind the property; Makoonsag is a sustainable facility with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver target that demonstrates a living ecology for children with an urban forest and eco-garden.
The $2.6-million project received over $1.2 million from the Province of Manitoba, $118,134 from the City of Winnipeg and $500,608 from the Government of Canada through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100014277/1100100014278).
The provincial contribution supports efforts under Manitoba’s Winnipeg Regeneration Strategy to renew and strengthen the economic and social vitality of the inner city.
Other funding partners include the Winnipeg Foundation, Bill and Shirley Loewen, Prairie Architects Inc., the Thomas Sill Foundation, United Way, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Great West Life, Investors Group, Manitoba Hydro, Maxim Truck and Trailer, North West Company, Shelter Canadian Properties Ltd., Vector Construction, Métis Economic Development Organization, University of Manitoba Students Union, National Leasing and other corporate and individual donors.
“We know that contributing to early child development is the most cost effective way to reduce poverty and to foster economic growth,” said Thompson. “Many single parents are women who are challenged with the multiple roles of child-care provider, family organizer and breadwinner. Successful parents are role models for successful children and as families succeed so do our neighbourhoods. We all reap the benefits of vibrant, stable communities.”
“Long ago our people were always together and the children learned from their parents and grandparents,” said Stella Blackbird, elder with the Urban Circle Training Centre Inc. “This is the vision for Makoonsag – families learning together.”
The child-care and intergenerational learning centre employs 12 child-care workers and two instructors in early childhood education.
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