From left to right : Autumn LaRose-Smith, Loretta King ,Glen McCallum, Michelle LeClair, Billy Kennedy, Alice Kennedy and David Gillan during the ground blessings ceremony in North Battleford on Nov. 12. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

MA FAAMII

‘We all win’: MN-S breaks ground on North Battleford first-ever Ma Faamii service centre

Nov 12, 2024 | 7:23 PM

Representatives from Métis Nation—Saskatchewan held a ground blessing ceremony in North Battleford on Tuesday to mark the start of construction for the city’s first Ma Faamii service centre.

Ma Faamii, which means “my family” in Michif, provides a culturally safe space for Métis citizens to access various social, economic, and mental health support services.

Located at 1071-103 Street, beyond serving as a community hub, the centre also marks a step forward in the city’s journey toward reconciliation, and fosters continued growth by creating new employment opportunities.

“For many years, we tried as much as we could to be able to build the Métis nation, and here we are now. The federal and provincial governments, industry, and institutions respect, understand and work with us. Today is a very good example in regards to how far we’ve come for our people here in the Battlefords,” said Glen McCallum, the president of MN-S.

The architectural rendering of the Ma Faamii Service centre in North Battleford. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

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The project architect, Jason Surkan, emphasizes that the building is designed to create a sense of home for Metis and First Nation citizens. Recognizing that the hub often serves individuals seeking services, he aims to ensure everyone who walks through the doors feels warm and welcome, especially when facing challenges.

To foster a sense of belonging, he found inspiration in traditional home construction methods and designed a space that reflects its historical roots. The inviting white siding, cedar shingles, and warm wood tones evoke the charm of old Métis folk homes.

Surkan also noted the driving force behind this project is Métis, which aims to ensure every detail aligns with the cultures involved, creating an authentic Métis atmosphere.

As a safe space for Métis and First Nations people, McCallum also thinks it is a place for non-Indigenous people. He believes the more the community fosters learning and opens communication, the stronger it will become for everyone.

Glen McCallum. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

“The more focus on cities and small communities and coming together, being able to work together, plan together and to be able to do the best for our communities; Individuals win, cities win, Saskatchewan wins, Canada wins, we all win,” McCallum noted.

The construction is set to begin next spring and conclude by winter. In the meantime, the team will focus on finalizing design drawings and issuing tenders. The total cost remains undetermined as the project is still in the early planning stages.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com