Released on December 18, 2019
Today, the Government of Saskatchewan officially opened the new nisto ihtāwina Early Years Family Resource Centre in La Ronge.“Family resource centres are a practical way of offering support to families during their children’s crucial early years of development and growth,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. “Our government is pleased to be able to contribute to and support the creation of this new resource centre specifically designed for families in the La Ronge area.”
Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty participated in today’s grand opening ceremonies. As a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Mirasty has seen firsthand how offering a single location where young families in the La Ronge area can access flexible programming and services will strengthen the community.
“I want to congratulate the local management committee members and others in the community who have worked very hard to complete the centre in time for this grand opening,” Mirasty said. “I’m grateful to the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan for investing in children through this and the other family centres in the province. When we support children early in life, in their home communities, it sets them up for success in the educational system and in every aspect of their lives.”
“We are extremely thankful for the contributions from our funding partners to make this centre a reality,” KidsFirst North Program Manager Rebecca Galloway said. “It will no doubt have an immense impact on families in the tri-community area.”
Early Years Family Resource Centres operate with the goal of providing a single location where area families with young children can access reliable information, supports and programming at no cost. This past spring, $1.5 million in funding was announced through the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement to create seven new Early Years Family Resource Centres in The Battlefords, Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and La Ronge. nisto ihtāwina in La Ronge is the first to open its doors.
“The early years of a child’s life are critical to development and well-being,” Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen said. “The Government of Canada is pleased to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to help middle class families access high-quality early learning and child care so more children and parents have the support they need.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to building strong families and strong communities by continuing to expand access to quality early years programming and family supports.
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For more information, contact:
Dale Hunter
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9501
Email: dale.hunter@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-9207
Carolyn Speirs
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6460
Email: carolyn.speirs@gov.sk.ca