Despite the pandemic, the McMurray Métis Summer Student Program continues in its fourth year.
McMurray Métis announced they secured $138,000 in funding from the federal government for the program.
Local 1935 Council President Gail Gallupe thanked Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.
“We are so glad that we can provide our youth with mentorship opportunities and secure Summer Employment to help set them up for successful futures. Without this grant, the operation and success of this year’s Summer Student Program wouldn’t have been possible.”
McMurray Métis secured the grant from the Canada Summer Jobs Program.
With the funds, they could hire more Indigenous students during the COVID-19 pandemic and help in the April flood cleanup.
The Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute provided an additional $75,000.
To date, the Summer Student Program employs 34 Indigenous students, including student and Project Lead, Lenny Hansen.
“This program has given me and other Indigenous youth the opportunity to develop skills needed for our futures, from respect and accountability and other traditional lessons from the seven teachings and will be great to have on our resumes in our future careers.”
Hansen and his fellow students helped clean flood-damaged homes of Métis members and performed lawn maintenance for their Elders.
They also learned traditional skills such as hunting, trapping, and fishing as well as planting, camping, and boating.
“Being able to secure a summer job through this program meant I didn’t have to worry about making a living during the pandemic and I also got to have some fun through all the activities we do.”
McMurray Métis thanked the Infinity Métis Corporation and many strategic partners for their support of the Summer Student Program.
