Métis Nation Calls for Expanded Child Supports

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan is urging Ottawa to extend federal Child First frameworks to Métis children and youth while a distinct program is developed.

Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Children’s Health

Métis Nation Calls for Expanded Child Supports

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Should the federal government expand child support programs to better reach Métis children?

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan called on the federal government to immediately expand access to health, social, and education supports for Métis children and youth. The organization also called for working toward a distinct Métis Child First Initiative within the next two years.

Why it matters

MN-S says Métis children and families face barriers to essential services, including programs unavailable in their communities and eligibility rules that do not address their specific needs. The organization links these gaps to colonial policies, discrimination, and the historical exclusion of Métis people from government-funded programs.

Government of Canada 2022 data show 35 per cent of Métis children aged one to 14 lived in food-insecure households, with 12 per cent in severe food insecurity. Eleven per cent of Métis children had an unmet health-care need, and the federal response to MN-S's request remains unclear.

The players

Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S)

The provincial government of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan, representing Métis citizens and advocating for their social, health, and education rights.

The details

MN-S is asking Ottawa to let Métis children access existing federal Child First Initiative frameworks while a separate Métis-focused program is developed. The proposed initiative would be designed around the individual needs of Métis children, youth, and families, and could help with mental health services, therapies, assistive technology, tutoring, and medical travel.

2022: Government of Canada data on Métis child food insecurity and household expenses were collected.
Within the next two years: MN-S's target for creating a distinct Métis Child First Initiative.

Big Picture

The call builds on the federal Child First Initiative, which MN-S wants extended to Métis children who currently face eligibility restrictions. The request reflects a longstanding gap in which Métis families have been historically excluded from government-funded programs and services.

Families of Métis children may find that expanded eligibility under federal Child First frameworks could open access to mental health services, therapies, medical equipment, and educational supports. The proposed distinct initiative would tailor these supports to individual children and families.

The takeaway

Families facing service gaps should ask about eligibility under existing federal programs, since MN-S is pressing for those frameworks to be opened to Métis children. Tracking the progress of a distinct Métis Child First Initiative will show whether these supports reach families in the coming years.