Prince Albert school divisions join MN-S Michif language pilot program
(Métis Nation-Saskatchewan/Facebook)
Last week it was announced that the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division (SRPSD) and Prince Albert Catholic School Division will be joining the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MNS) in preserving and revitalizing Michif language and culture.
Both divisions will be joining the Michif Early Learning Pilot Project (MELPP) starting in the fall of 2021.
Sask Rivers Superintendent Jennifer Hingley explained that the partnership came together because of the MN-S.
“It’s their initiative and we feel privileged to be included and brought on board,” Hingley said.
Catholic Division director of education Lorel Trumier was excited to see partnerships with the MN-S grow in the division including the recent donation of 204 Chromebooks.
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.