(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation is pleased to announce that Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society (KLMSS) has been awarded a project to support an Early Childhood Development program from the BCAAFC this past week. The KLMSS project was a vision of their President Lyle Letendre and has been designed to:

• Expose Kelly Lake children to the Cree/Michif language so that they have a basic understanding of the language used by their grandparents and great grandparents.
• Promote and teach Kelly Lake children about our strong Métis history and how the Métis and Cree people played a big role in who Kelly Lake are as a Métis settlement today.
• Engage Kelly Lake children and elders together so that children may learn about their culture and heritage through story telling.
• Teach Kelly Lake children how to make arts and crafts that are integral to Métis history and culture.
• Ensure that Métis culture, language and heritage are not lost with the younger generations.

BCMF President Keith Henry stated; “KLMSS is one of the Métis communities who have signed a Statement of Cooperation. This is a great example of where our dedicated teams of volunteers supported KLMSS design the program, draft the proposal, and submit to the BCAAFC based on clear deliverables. I am so pleased for KLMSS who have not been provided program support for years despite significant Métis community needs. This does not solve all of the community issues but will hopefully mark some new progress.”

BCMF President Henry added; “I that the BCAAFC for a decision based on community needs in KLMSS. I also thank KLMSS President Lyle Letendre for his trust to work with the BC Métis Federation and our team.”

BCMF President Henry concluded; “I hope Métis communities throughout BC realize this is the approach BC Métis Federation leadership supports. No revenue flows through BC Métis Federation where some funds could be redirected. KLMSS will receive 100% of the project benefits and this is the most effective way to ensure KLMSS members receive the maximum benefits. I encourage other Métis communities to sign a Statement of Cooperation with the BC Métis Federation to understand the dependence on an organization like the MNBC is no longer necessary.”

Media Inquiries:

Keith Henry

President
BC Métis Federation

#300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2

Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com

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