September 28, 2022
Governments of Canada and Manitoba Invest $300,000 to Implement Indigenous-Focused Programming for Child-Care Facilities
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing an additional $300,000 to support 24 child-care facilities implement Indigenous-focused cultural programming, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko announced today.
“Our government is committed to ensuring all children in Manitoba have access to inclusive, culturally appropriate child-care programming that reflects and celebrates our province’s diversity,” said Ewasko. “During previous intakes, there was an overwhelming demand from child-care facilities for funding to integrate Indigenous cultural components into programming. I’m pleased this additional investment will support these 24 centres in this important work.”
Today’s announcement is part of ongoing work to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, specifically number 12, which calls for the development of culturally appropriate early childhood education programs for Indigenous families.
“Grounding early learning and child care in culture, language and traditions leads to better outcomes for Indigenous children and for their communities,” said federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould. “Connection to culture builds self-esteem, confidence and resilience that can benefit a child’s health and well-being throughout their entire life.”
The Indigenous Programming Grant allows child-care facilities to invest in the equipment, resources and supplies needed to integrate Indigenous cultural components into programming. The funding also supports professional development opportunities for staff to expand their knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions, and incorporate this knowledge within curriculums.
The 24 child-care facilities will each receive grants between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on the number of infant and preschool spaces offered. These facilities applied for grants during the 2020-21 Indigenous Programming Grant intake.
“This grant will be used to enhance Indigenous-focused curriculum and programming in our centres,” said Fernanda Hodgsons, executive director, Day Nursery Centre. “It provides us with a step in the right direction toward reconciliation and a greater understanding of our Indigenous families and community.”
The additional funding is provided through the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement 2021-25, one of two bilateral partnerships with the federal government. The Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement provides Manitoba with an average of nearly $20 million per year over four years to improve access to flexible, inclusive early learning and child-care programs for all children, regardless of where they live. This funding complements investments made by the Government of Canada in Indigenous early learning and child-care to support the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework and strengthen culturally appropriate early learning and child-care programs for Indigenous children and families in Manitoba.
For more information on child-care services in Manitoba, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/education/childcare/index.html.
For more information about the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agreement 2021 to 2025, visit https://canada.ca/en/early-learning-child-care-agreement/agreements-provinces-territories/manitoba-2021.html. For details on the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/indigenous-early-learning/2018-framework.html.
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Backgrounder
Backgrounder - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2022/09/BG-Indigenous_Programming_Grant_Recipients-EDEC.pdf