Fort Battleford Urban Metis Development, Inc.

1091 103rd St
North Battleford
Saskatchewan
S9A 3W2

Phone: 445-6822
Fax: 445-9830

Email:

Our mandate is to “break the cycle” through the promotion, access and development of programming which promotes a holistic approach to community development, social development, culture, recreation. sports, health, education and training for the Métis community of the Battle River Region.

PROGRAMS

La Bon Livér (the good life) Program

Applications are being accepted for the La Bon Livér (Good Life) Program, which is a 12 week program for parents of children 0 - 6 years of age. The program brings parents and program providers from the community together to look at the programs being provided and how they may be accessed. Each week brings new topics from how to help your child to read to parenting, domestic violence, pre and post natal care, addictions, job hunting skills, furthering your education and nutrition to name a few. This program runs on Tuesday and Thursday and has only 14 openings. Lunch, transportation and childcare provided. Register immediately to avoid disappointment.

Needle Exchange Program
In cooperation with the Prairie North Regional Health Authority, the Métis Nation is now providing a safe place for people to bring their used needles for disposal. We want our community to be a safer place and will work with those who need to dispose of their needles by providing them with a container to dispose of the needles, new needles and alcohol swabs.

Social Development Program

The Métis Nation in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Department of Community Resources & Employment are working to: a] create an environment in which Métis children are protected and cared for by their families and their community, b] include the Métis of our community in the process of identifying issues, concerns, and finding solutions, c] represent and put forth the Métis community’s vision for change and improvement within the Social Development field, d] develop strong working partnerships with community based organizations on a local, regional and provincial level in order to access programs and services for our Métis communities, and e] gather statistics that includes the number of Métis within the Battlefords and Battle River Region, number of Métis children and families involved with child protection and foster care services, and the number of Métis youth in conflict with the law.

We have begun to see the results of the development of our Social Development program in that we now have Métis specific Foster Care Program, Trusteeship, Community Enhancement Program with the Alternative Measure Program.

A. Métis Foster Care Program This program is a support service for Métis and aboriginal children and their families who experience difficulties and require alternative living arrangements for a period of time. The ultimate goal is to provide support and reunification of the natural family. The foster families strive to ensure the children receive a safe, healthy and nurturing environment in their homes. In conjunction with the Saskatchewan Government‘s Department of community Resources & Employment we provide perseveres training for all Métis who are interested in fostering. Should you be interest, please take the time to give us a call.

B. Trusteeship Program Individuals who are receiving Social Assistance and having a struggle with their finances are encourage to contact us regarding the Trusteeship Program. Once you are accepted on to the program, we work with you to ensure your rent and bills are paid and your needs are met. Our goal is to help you meet your goals.

C. Community Enhancement Program This program is to assist clients with the development of a life plan that empowers the client to examine their own social problems and develop a holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle. The purpose of utilizing the holistic approach is that the greatest number of social problems such as housing, addictions, justice, childcare and health issues facing the client. Our Community Enhancement Worker works one to one with each client to ensure issues are identified and client driven solutions are found.

D. Alternative Measures Program In preparation of the Alternative Measure Program, we will be offering a Mediation Training, Level I in the spring. The proposed time frames will be April - May, 2004 here in the Battlefords. Dates can be confirmed with a quick phone call to our office after March 15, 2004. The training will teach participants the fundamentals of the mediations skills to assist individuals in their communities to problem solve. The introduction of these concepts and skills through practice and skill development will provide the participant with the training required to utilize the training in your community.

Working, Living & Playing Together Program

For further information on any of these programs, please contact the Métis Nation located at:

1091-103rd Street (Avenue Entrance), North Battleford

Or by Phoning: 445 - 6822

Our office hours are: 9:00 am - 12 Noon & 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm