Métis Youth Programming Environmental Scan

Project Purpose To assess and understand the current state of programs and services to Métis youth in British Columbia and in each region. Data sources include: The BC Aboriginal Organization and Programs Guide; Over 300 Métis Youth Surveys; and Engagement Sessions Phases: Develop Youth Program Accessibility Criteria Develop Survey Instrument Distribute Survey Complete an Environmental Scan Analyze Survey Findings Complete a Report with Recommendations The purpose of today’s engagement session is to identify what works, what doesn’t, and to develop recommendations to improve the situation.

Approach Based on the BC Governments Aboriginal Organization and Services Guide Focused on Employment and Training, Education, Small Business Support, and Life Skills Programs and Services These programs were identified according to one of five criteria: Métis Specific; Pan-Aboriginal: Métis Reference; Pan-Aboriginal: No Métis Reference; First Nations Only; and Open. These programs were assessed according to how effectively they accompliss the following: Revitalize Métis Identities, Establish Inclusive Access, Indigenize & Invigorate Métis Culture, and Build Métis Confidence & Belonging.

Approach Continued Revitalize Métis Identity In order for a program to meet the “Revitalize Métis Identity” requirement, the program description or purpose must communicate that it is positively contributing to the growth and rejuvenation of Métis identities. Establish Inclusive Access In order for a program to meet the “Establish Inclusive Access” requirement, the program must actively encourage Métis participation. For example, it must include ‘Métis’ in the list of eligible participants or include Métis statistics on the program website, showing that Métis participants are welcome. Indigenize and Invigorate Métis Culture In order for a program to meet the “Indigenize and Invigorate Métis Culture” requirement, it must be actively fostering Métis culture and way of life through education, support groups, or by incorporating Indigenous languages and history into programming. Build Métis Confidence and Belonging In order for a program to meet the “Build Métis Confidence and Belonging” requirement, the program Inclusion Type must be either “Métis Only” or “Pan-Aboriginal: Métis Reference” while also communicating that it is dedicated to nurturing and supporting Métis belonging or fostering a sense of community through education, support groups or other inclusive activities.

What We Found The majority of the programs in BC are not available to Métis People. Less than 1% of the programs available are directed towards Métis youth Labour Market needs. In comparison, First Nations populations have over 93% (104) of programs province-wide dedicated to supporting their communities. Out of the 112 programs across the province, only 6% in some way contribute to fostering and encouraging Métis identity, culture and community. A total of 69% (77) of all programs surveyed are only open to First Nations People. A further 18% (20) of programs fall under the “Pan-Aboriginal: No Métis Reference” inclusion type which suggests that while Métis People are not specifically excluded, they are not encouraged to participate either. A total of 6% of the programs were classified as “Pan-Aboriginal: Métis Reference” which means that only 7 programs specifically mention the Métis People on their website. These 7 programs, along with the MNBC programs, were the only programs to meet one or several of the four types of Program Purpose identified by Métis Youth as important to encourage participation. Therefore out of the 112 programs across the province, only 6% in some way contribute to fostering and encouraging Métis identity, culture and community.

Thompson-Okanagan

Thompson-Okanagan The Thompson/ Okanagan Region offers 19 programs, including the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) program. The two additional programs that include Métis in their online program descriptions, offer Employment Support, Training and Small Business Support services. These two programs also provide services to First Nations groups. The remaining three Pan-Aboriginal programs do not encourage Métis participation nor specifically state that Métis individuals are able to benefit from their services.