Bonnyville FRP Groundbreaking Ceremony Aug. 22
Posted on: Aug 21, 2023
Bonnyville Family Reunification Housing Development Project: Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for August 22
(BONNYVILLE, AB, Aug. 21, 2023) In collaboration with the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking ceremony on August 22 for its newest housing development for its Phase II Family Reunification Program. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at 3902B 50 Ave in Bonnyville, AB. Media are welcome to attend.
The Family Reunification Program (FRP) is designed and dedicated to reuniting Métis mothers, fathers, and their children by providing wrap-around services and support in a safe and culturally appropriate manner. Families are referred to the program through Alberta Ministry of Children’s Services. The program’s approach is to offer support that is culturally responsive and strength-based, where families are empowered to be part of the decision-making process and supported throughout the program and beyond.
MCHC staff, along with the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Children’s Services, will assist families with developing their case plans, eventually transitioning them to independent living. Throughout this process, staff offer a welcoming, positive, and safe environment that fosters a strong sense of community. MCHC and the MNA believe a healthy community raises healthy children while recognizing the need for families to retain their privacy. The program strikes a balance between group and one-to-one interactions while offering time for personal space.
The housing development will be comprised of 12 suites, along with spaces for workshops, programming, cultural counseling, learning centers, a kitchen, and a playground. The proposed project will give Métis families a safe space to start their healing process surrounded by supportive and compassionate staff.
Quotes:
“The Métis Nation of Alberta is honoured to work alongside Métis Capital Housing Corporation to bring the Family Reunification Project to Bonnyville. Reuniting Métis mothers, fathers, and their children through a culturally responsive program that empowers and supports families is an important step toward healing and reconciliation. We value fairness and respect and strive to support and empower Métis families to achieve their goals, wherever they are in their life’s journey. The Family Reunification Program is one of the many ways we, as a Métis government, serve our Citizens and their needs.” – Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
“We are excited to see Métis Capital Housing Corporation provide the Family Reunification Program in MNA Region Two. As the first Family Reunification Program in Alberta outside of Edmonton, it will offer greater support to Métis families in our community. The Family Reunification Program will give our families a safe zone to reunite, grow, and heal, eventually transitioning to independent living. We will continue to work to empower our Citizens and strengthen our communities.” – Andrea Sandmaier, Region 2 Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
About the MNA
The MNA was established in 1928 to advance the interests of Alberta Métis based on Métis rights, including, the right to self-determination and self-government. The MNA is governed by a democratically elected Provincial Council, comprised of a Provincial President and Vice President and six regional Presidents and Vice Presidents.
The MNA maintains the only province-wide, objectively verifiable, and federally recognized registry of Métis Nation citizens living within Alberta. In June 2019, the MNA and the Government of Canada signed the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement, which recognizes the Métis Nation within Alberta’s inherent right to self-government.
About Métis Housing
Métis Housing consists of Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC, incorporated in 2007) and Métis Urban Housing Corporation (MUHC, incorporated in 1982), owned by the Métis Nation of Alberta. They were created to provide affordable rental housing to low- and moderate-income Métis and other Indigenous families in Alberta. MUHC and MCHC maintain and manage rental accommodations, providing housing to over 3,000 residents, almost 900 affordable housing units, in 14 urban centres throughout Alberta.
Métis Housing has successfully provided affordable shelter to Métis and Indigenous Albertans since 1982 and is recognized by funders, partners, and the MNA as an effective, efficient, and reliable provider of housing management services. As non-profit corporations, they are responsible for renting and maintaining the units. This is a responsibility that covers administration and operations.
Media Contact:
Victoria Belton
E: victoria.belton@mediaprofile.com
P: 416-997-5179