The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan’s (MN–S) Ma Faamii just keeps getting bigger. Last Thursday (Oct. 8) saw an opening ceremony held for the Northern Region 3 Ma Faamii Service Centre in Beauval, the addition of which sees the MN–S’ network of Ma Faamii centres grow to five in total. “This is a great day for this community and the families who live within the community,” remarked MN–S president Glen McCallum during last week’s ceremony. “I’m proud to stand here. I am proud of how far our Métis Nation has come… We still have a ways to go in order to be able to open certain doors with the federal government, industry and institutions… We have a ways to go yet, but it’s not as though we don’t have anything to work on, to build on, to make greater and better. The spirit of our people is strong.” 

This was echoed by MN–S Northern Region 3 director Brennan Merasty. “Today we proudly celebrated the grand opening of the new Ma Fammii Citizen Support Service Centre in Beauval,” Merasty noted via social media following the ceremony. “This beautiful new space will serve as a welcoming hub for citizens across the northwest, providing direct support and guidance in accessing MN–S programs, services and other available resources. Our dedicated staff are here to help citizens navigate supports, while expanded remote office services will help ensure assistance reaches communities throughout the region. We are excited to open our doors and strengthen connections to services closer to home. This is an important step forward for our region, and it’s only the beginning.” As a one-stop resource hub, Ma Faamii connects registered and self-identifying Métis citizens across the province with critical social, health, economic and family services. 

In 2023, the MN–S officially welcomed its first community-based support centre for citizens across Saskatchewan. It is a warm, inviting, and culturally-safe space designed to connect Métis citizens with the assistance they need. ‘Ma Faamii’ is a Michif word meaning ‘my family.’ “Our Ma Faamii team is here to support Métis citizens with care, connection and guidance,” reads the MN–S’ official website. “Working closely with citizens across the province, Ma Faamii provides a trusted link between individuals and the wide range of programs and services offered by the MN–S. From housing to the Medical Travel Assistance Program, and everything in between, Ma Faamii ensures citizens receive the right help at the right time.” MN–S staff will assist citizens by supporting: needs assessment (evaluating individual or family situations to create tailored support plans); information and referral along with system navigation (connecting clients to housing grants, first-time home buyer funding, homelessness prevention and early learning or childcare programs); and registry intake and document assistance (helping individuals compile documentation and complete their Métis citizenship applications).

“Each month, the Ma Faamii team works with hundreds of citizens, providing ongoing support that continues long after an application is submitted,” the website continues. “Whether you are registered or self-identify as Métis, Ma Faamii can help connect you with federal, municipal and community supports, making sure no one is left without assistance. At its heart, Ma Faamii is about more than services – it’s about relationships. Every citizen we work with becomes part of an ongoing connection, where support, advocacy and care are always within reach.” As noted, the first Ma Faamii centre opened its doors in 2003 in Saskatoon. Citizen input has helped shape the processes of program and service access since. In addition to Beauval, the citizen service centre network includes Saskatoon, North Battleford, Yorkton and Prince Albert. The sixth and final scheduled centre is scheduled to open in Regina in 2027. “Let’s continue working hard, let’s continue progressing and things will work out,” McCallum said. “I am excited for our future.”