Indigenous groups partner with school boards in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw to support learners, community

Two school boards have announced new partnerships with local Indigenous groups. Saskatoon Public Schools and the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to collaborate and support Indigenous people across the city. The activities covered in the MOA include the creation of a youth leadership council, after-school recreation and wellness programming, land-based learning initiatives, language programming, and having elders present in the classroom. The new agreement formalizes an existing partnership between the two and will be in place until August 2027. In Moose Jaw, the Prairie South School Division (PSSD) and the New Southern Plains Métis Local 160 have signed a MOU to increase co-operation and work together on good outcomes for Métis students and beyond. The agreement includes topics such as the teaching of the Michif language and of Métis history in the region. As part of the signing, Métis Local 160 President Darrell Hawman presented PSSD Director of Education Ryan Boughen with an honorary Métis sash.