NationTalk: Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, was proud to host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new housing complex called Mazoun Infinitii Pakoshayimoohk/Infinity House of Hope (“Mazoun”).
Expected to be completed by the summer of 2024, the complex will feature 12 one-bedroom units, two two-bedroom suites and two emergency suites for individuals and families interacting with the Red River Métis child welfare system.
“I am so proud of our government’s continued work to support our Youth as they transition into their adult lives,” said Mona Buors, MMF Minister of Métis Child & Family Services. “This housing complex is a direct result of our recognition that our kids, like all children, still need support and a safety net as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood, which is consistent with our commitment to remaining part of their lives for as long as they want or need us.”
Mazoun will offer culturally safe urban transition homes for Red River Métis Youth who are aging out of care or who have already aged out of care, in addition to providing education on life skills, and therapeutic and cultural programming. Emergency suites will be available to Youth formerly involved with Métis Child and Family Services, so they always have a place to come home to and receive the care they need, including support for young mothers working to keep their children out of the system. Where possible, Mazoun will also provide temporary housing for families working toward reunification.
Mazoun has received funding support through a number of programs available from other levels of government, including the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative (IHII).
“On behalf of the IHII Steering Committee, I am proud to congratulate the Mazoun Infinitii Pakoshayimoohk (The Infinity House of Hope) on their progress as the project has their groundbreaking ceremony to signal the beginning of the development a culturally safe urban transition facility to serve Métis Youth aging out of support,” said Dawn Madahbee Leach, General Manager, Waubetek Business Development Corporation and IHII Steering Committee Member. “We cannot express enough how important it is to see this build begin to connect the community with supports and resources it needs to begin the work that needs to be done.”
“The ongoing housing crisis in Canada is a challenge that the Red River Métis government is tackling through a multi-pronged approach, from support for first time home buying to home repairs and support for those experiencing homelessness,” said Will Goodon, MMF Minister for Housing and Property Development. “Kids leaving care are among the most vulnerable populations in Canada, with an elevated risk of homelessness. Mazoun Infinitii Pakoshayimoohk will provide a solid foundation for continued growth and development for our Red River Métis Youth, which will allow the residents to leave care positioned for success.”
Youth aging out of the mainstream child welfare system often see an abrupt end to their support, which can lead them to experience issues such as unemployment, homelessness, victimization, depression and other challenges. The support that families would usually provide may also be lacking due to ongoing disconnection from their biological family. A 2020 study of the Winnipeg-specific unsheltered population indicated that more than half of youth (64.4%) experiencing homelessness reported some type of involvement with child protection services over their lifetime.
“Our Red River Métis government believes it is critical that our kids transitioning into adulthood maintain their connections to their culture, community and family,” said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. “That’s why Mazoun is not just housing. It will create a space where current and former kids in care can always return to receive support, services and a sense of community. We will never turn our backs on our kids. If they need help at any age and stage of life, we will be there for them – this is the fundamental purpose of Mazoun.”
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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca