Secretary Brooke Bramfield is a proud member of the Callihoo family and has called Fort McMurray home since 2013. Secretary Bramfield is experienced in communications, government relations, grant writing, and has also worked for the McMurray Métis. She is inspired by the stories and shared experiences of Métis Elders and Youth and has always been a strong advocate for children and families.

As Provincial Secretary of Children and Family Services, Secretary Bramfield is working towards securing long-term funding to continue supporting and expanding the Children and Family Services programs. Over the past year, she has hosted Reclaiming Our Children: Act C-92 Citizen Engagement Sessions to help inform and codevelop a model of care for Métis children and families across the province.

Exciting developments are on the horizon to strengthen support systems for Métis children and families across Alberta. This includes the opening of a second Family Reunification Program site in Bonnyville, expanding access to culturally grounded reunification and preservation services for Métis families in northern Alberta. Additionally, the Otipemisiwak Metis Government’s inaugural Child Care Centre at Cecil Bellrose Manor in Edmonton will accommodate up to 72 children. This centre marks a significant milestone in advancing culturally grounded early learning and child care, ensuring Métis children grow and thrive in an environment that honors their cultural identity.

Recognizing the need for greater representation and culturally responsive child care options,  the Children and Family Services team recently launched the Day Home Startup Pilot Program. This initiative empowers Métis citizens to establish licensed day homes by providing up to $20,000 in startup grants. These grants cover essential equipment and support compliance with provincial licensing and agency standards, increasing access to high-quality child care while fostering economic opportunities for Métis caregivers.

In September 2024, the Flourishing Futures Accessibility Grant was introduced to help Métis families overcome financial barriers to early intervention services. This program offers up to $5,000 per child for critical supports such as developmental assessments, speech and occupational therapy, child mental health services, and specialized equipment. By reducing financial barriers, this grant ensures Métis children receive the resources they need to reach their full potential.

“These achievements highlight the power of dreaming big and working together, which ultimately lead to stronger communities,” Secretary Bramfield said. “I am committed to engaging our citizens to better understand how to serve and fulfill the needs of our children and families as we continue to develop our programs and services. I want to thank the Children and Family Services Department for their dedication to providing exceptional programs and services throughout the year. We have many exciting announcements ahead in 2025, and I look forward to shaping a holistic model of care for our children and families.”

MANDATE

The mandate of the Provincial Secretary of Children & Family Services is to advance the well-being of Métis families by ensuring Métis children grow up in caring environments that nurture their distinctive culture. Secretary Bramfield is tasked with enhancing Métis early learning and child care programs and implementing the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s jurisdictional control over children and family services through Canada’s Bill C-92, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. Secretary Bramfield has been collaborating with the Children and Family Services Department to support Métis families. This work includes expanding culturally grounded children and family services, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring Métis children and families receive the support they need.