$3.8M land deal to bring Métis housing, child services to Kamloops
Métis Nation B.C. has partnered with two other Metis organizations to build an affordable housing and childcare centre in Kamloops.
The land was purchased for $3.8 million and the upcoming building will built by M'akola Development Services, an Indigenous developer, according to a press release.
At what is currently an unused lot at 800 Victoria Street, the development is expected to take two to three years to build. There is no estimation yet on how many housing units will be provided as the development is in early stages, Métis Nation B.C. spokesperson Nick Hosseinzadeh said.
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The new building will also house office space for a child protection and support services office, Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services and the Two Rivers Métis Society.
“I am so honoured and proud that (Métis Nation B.C.’s) cabinet has made Kamloops the first stop in our visionary journey of creating Métis homes, childcare centres and spaces for our Chartered Communities around B.C.,” Dean Gladue, Métis Nation B.C. minister of housing and homelessness, said in the release.
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak has been providing Métis-specific services to the Kamloops area since 1998, most recently adding the 31-unit Kikekyelc in August 2020.
Aside from housing, the group also provides a range of child and family services for Métis in Kamloops.
“This is a vision that our elders and community have longed for. A place where our Métis children, families and community can gather and experience a sense a belonging,” Colleen Lucier, Lii Michif Otipemisiwak executive director said in the release. “Through this development, we, together, as Métis People are developing something amazing for our People. I would like to acknowledge and offer our gratitude to the Secwepemc People for sharing their land on which this place of belonging and wellness will be build.”
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The funding for the land purchase was provided under the Canada-Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, which slated a $500 million investment over 10 years to support Métis Nation housing, according to the release.
“I know I can speak for our community members when I say that Métis center will be our place of belonging, a place where we can gather and support one another through our shared culture," Two Rivers Métis Society president Trish Plant said in the release.
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