Métis to train Ukrainian refugees in child care

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This article was published 13/06/2023 (896 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ukrainian and Métis square dancers jigged and twirled in celebration of a partnership between the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Manitoba and the Manitoba Métis Federation.

UCC Manitoba represents national, provincial and local Ukrainian-Canadian organizations while the federation is the only officially recognized Métis government in Canada and delivers various programs and services.

On Tuesday, leaders met at the BMO building at Portage and Main, future home of a Métis heritage centre, to sign a memorandum of understanding through which the federation will train and employ 25 Ukrainian refugees at its child care centres.

“I believe this work is based on principles of mutual respect and co-operation focusing on improving economic and social development, not only for Ukrainian families and for the Red River Métis citizens, but for all general citizens across the province of Manitoba,” said Frances Chartrand, Métis minister of child care.

The federation has nine child-care programs that help celebrate Métis culture, language, and heritage.

These programs provide educational activities, field trips and parenting programs.

The Métis government has invested $2 million to open five early childhood learning centres across the province and support Ukrainian newcomers in their early childhood education.

Chartrand said the initiative meets the federation’s challenge of finding qualified people to work in its daycares — a need that will grow to nearly 300 jobs when the centres are completed.

“This a win for newcomers who are seeking stable, well-paying jobs, and a win for our kids who will be able to exchange knowledge and share experiences with their Ukrainian neighbours and educators,” she said.

Both leaders agreed the partnership would build a bridge of support between the two communities, and that it will be the first of many joint initiatives.

It’s been 16 months since Russia invaded Ukraine, forcing nearly eight million Ukrainians to flee their homes. This is the biggest European conflict-induced displacement since the Second World War.

Joanne Lewandosky, president of the UCC Manitoba provincial council, said the province has welcomed more than 20,000 Ukrainian refugees, the highest number of any province on a per-capita basis.

“(Métis federation has) recognized that training and jobs are essential with these Ukrainian newcomers to integrate into society and provide a role in self-sufficiency and economic independence,” said Lewandosky through tears. “Manitobans are truly demonstrating that Ukraine does not stand alone, and that decency and human kindness has no borders.”

At the beginning of the conflict in 2022, the federation donated $100,000 to Ukraine for humanitarian aid.

“The Red River Métis have a long history of welcoming newcomers to the province we helped bring into Canada’s confederation,” said federation president David Chartrand.

While watching the dancers perform, Chartrand said it was a great sign of culture and pride – something Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot take away.

“It’s something that’s built within us.”

tessa.adamski@freepress.mb.ca