Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) celebrated the official grand opening of its new Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Centre in Saskatoon on Tuesday, marking the second of three culturally focused childcare facilities launching across the province this year.
Located in the city’s Kensignton neighbourhood, the Saskatoon facility quietly opened its doors in July and has already welcomed 40 registered families. The provincial initiative was announced in 2023 in partnership with government officials, creating 270 new daycare spaces across Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Regina under the Canada Early Learning Child Care Agreement.
For MN-S Regional Director Beverley Fullerton, seeing the centre open in her region holds deep personal meaning as both a mother and a Kokum.
“Knowing that our little ones are going to have an opportunity to be totally wrapped in our culture and be proud of who they are,” Fullerton said. “Many of us never got to experience that, so knowing that we’re bringing this to our region and for our little ones is absolutely meaningful.”
The centre integrates Métis heritage, language, and traditions directly into early childhood programming. For local Métis mother Brooke Cross-Worobec, having her son raised in a culturally rich environment fulfills a personal dream.
“I didn’t get to reconnect till I was about 10 to 14 years old, that was when my journey began,” Cross-Worobec said. “So, for him, that’s super important to me, that part of me always felt missing, so that’s not missing for him. He’s just… that’s who he is.”
Tuesday’s ceremony featured official ribbon-cutting celebrations, public tours, and a community barbecue.
The launch follows last week’s opening of the ELCC Centre in Prince Albert, with the third location set to open in Regina.