GOVERNMENT APPROVES $200,000 FOR RESEARCH ON IMPROVING MÉTIS EDUCATION

Education Minister Russ Marchuk today announced $200,000 in funding for the Métis Nation Saskatchewan (MNS) to support research on improving Métis education and employment outcomes.

This research supports the work done by the Joint Task Force on First Nations and Métis Education and Employment (JTF) and will inform an engagement strategy for Métis communities and stakeholder organizations.

"Improving the education outcomes of all Saskatchewan students is our priority," Marchuk said. "This research will help give government and the Joint Task Force a full picture of how to best approach education equity for First Nations and Métis students in Saskatchewan."

"Métis youth are the fastest growing Aboriginal segment in Canada today. I am pleased the Government of Saskatchewan is working as partners with the MN-S to improve the education outcomes of Métis students in the province. We have turned a corner, as partners working together, which will ensure the promise of Saskatchewan will include the Métis," Métis Nation Saskatchewan President Robert Doucette said.

With the recent government reorganization the Ministry of Education has been assigned as the lead ministry representing the Government of Saskatchewan in the work done by the JTF. The Ministries of Advanced Education and Government Relations are supporting this initiative as well.

The JTF's work focuses on several key goals including:

• Improved early childhood outcomes and transition to school;
• Increased high school and post-secondary completion rates;
• Improved participation in the labour force and employment; and
• Greater quality of life and enhanced self-sufficiency.

The task force began its broad public consultations in early spring 2012, with the task force report to be complete early in 2013.

For more information on the Joint Task Force on First Nations and Métis Education and Employment please visit www.jointtaskforce.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506