Nominations Open for Kanawaymawashoohk Early Childhood Educator Awards

The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA), has officially opened nominations for the Kanawaymawashoohk (“Looking After Children”) Métis Early Childhood Educator Awards. These awards aim to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of Métis educators throughout the province who integrate Métis culture and identity into early childhood education.

This marks the fourth year of the awards, which highlight the significance of teaching Métis culture to children from diverse backgrounds. According to Andrea Fiss, the director of education for Métis Nation Saskatchewan, the awards seek individuals who are not only Métis citizens but also actively work to promote Métis culture in their childcare settings. “We’re looking for somebody who is really working hard to make sure that Métis culture and identity are brought into the child-care centre where they’re working,” Fiss explained.

Empowering Métis Identity in Education

The awards signify a pivotal moment for a community historically referred to as the “forgotten people.” Today, thanks to the efforts of Métis educators, children can feel pride in their cultural heritage rather than concealing it. Fiss noted, “Children can be proud and it’s through a lot of different ways, but, specifically with child care, we want to ensure that our Métis culture, language, and history are part of the curriculum.”

One notable advocate for this initiative is Melissa Dumont, the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Métis Early Childhood Educator Award. Dumont expressed that embracing her culture has driven her to enhance her teaching. “To be comfortable with yourself, to be able to go through the motions of being a Métis educator or a non-Métis educator but showing Métis values is essential. If you’re speaking it, it’s OK if you get it wrong. You just try and try again,” she said. Dumont believes that these classroom discussions prepare the next generation to engage respectfully with various cultures.

New Initiatives for Métis Education

To further support Métis education, a new childcare centre is set to open in Saskatoon, providing 90 spaces for children. This centre will offer a curriculum focused on Métis culture, language, values, and identity. Fiss emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “When you have this pan-Indigenous approach, you don’t feel like your culture, whether you’re First Nation or Métis, is being represented at all. When you walk into the centre, you’re going to see artwork and things in the children’s space that specifically talk about our culture as Métis people and celebrate that distinction.”

For non-Métis educators wishing to support Métis children, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan offers various resources and programs. Fiss remarked, “Early childhood educators need and want resources and information because they want to support Métis families or non-Métis families. The more people know, the more acceptance grows.” This initiative not only fosters cultural awareness but also promotes inclusivity within the community.

As nominations for the Kanawaymawashoohk Métis Early Childhood Educator Awards open, the emphasis on recognizing and honoring the contributions of Métis educators remains essential for the growth of cultural pride and identity among children in Saskatchewan.