SASKATCHEWAN FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS KEY PARTICIPANTS IN 2011-2012 BUDGET

The 2011-12 Budget recognizes the importance of Saskatchewan's First Nations and Métis citizens. Across government, the Budget provides $167.2 million - an increase of $13.1 million or 8.5 per cent - for programming and initiatives intended for First Nations and Métis people.

"This government believes in working across ministries and with First Nations and Métis people to focus on children and youth, enhanced education and skills training and a quality of life which will bring further economic growth and opportunities for all people in the future," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said.

Budget initiatives include:

• $1.5 million commitment over three years to the Northern Action Plan to reduce suicide and drug use in northern communities, being led by the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations;
• $2 million provincial commitment to the Joint Task Force on Education shared by the Ministries of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration, Education and First Nations and Métis Relations;
• An increase of $7 million in funding for First Nations and Métis education initiatives and institutions through Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration;
• $7.8 million increase in K-12 education investments for First Nations and Métis including: a doubling of the First Nations and Métis Education Initiatives Fund; new program and capital funding for Pre-kindergarten targeted to high need areas; funding to increase high school completion and a new Aboriginal Individual Achievements Accounts program through Education;
• $2.7 million funding increase to the Ministry of Social Services focused in the areas of First Nations Case Management, Family Finder, First Nations Group Homes and the Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute; and
• $350,000 in funding to ensure the engagement of the First Nations and Métis in relation to the Children and Youth Agenda through the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations.

"This budget clearly demonstrates the commitment of our government to work with First Nations and Métis people to improve quality of life and ensure that all citizens have access to education and training skills to fully benefit from the Saskatchewan Advantage," Cheveldayoff said.

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For more information, contact:

Cathe Offet
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3156
Email: cathe.offet@gov.sk.ca