McKay explained she knows the urban Métis Locals are ready, willing, and capable of running programs and services, but explained they just lack the funding to do so.
“All three locals have had to fundraise to be able to have offices, and with COVID happening, their ability to do so dried up. The MN-S had been asked to support the locals, but no supports were ever given, not even a pen, pencil, or piece of paper, nor were the locals allowed to speak at the MN-S meetings,” she said.
Moving forward, McKay expressed her belief that the biggest challenge for the MN-S lies with the need to create harmony within the organization and have the Métis people work together.
The MN-S announced the two-year pilot project in September 2020, where they created the Michif Early Learning Pilot Project (MELPP) and the Dene Early Learning Pilot Project (DELPP). Over 130 kindergarten and prekindergarten students are learning the two languages because of these projects.
A picture taken of McLennan outside her campaign office. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)
McLennan acknowledged a divide with the MN-S and explained there has been a feeling of three smaller groups fighting for power.
“We would be much stronger together instead of all this fighting,” she said.
McLennan said a big part of her job has been helping people, and it’s a job she does not take lightly, citing a personal passion to help people apply for grants for education and homeownership. McLennan also believes in a strong family and thinks leadership needs to be constantly looking for ways to empower youth.