Friday marked the grand opening of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan’s (MN-S) newest “Ma Faamii” in the province. “Ma Faamii” means family in the Métis language, which is fitting for what will serve as a family resource centre. However, MN-S East Region 2A Regional Representative Darcy Lepowick said the centre will also serve to help people who need to access housing grants, school grants, registry, child support or even medical travel. “And the Ma Faamii building is a Métis family resource centre. So, it’s Métis specific for resources. So basically, a one-stop shop for Métis people in the region,” said Lepowick. The newest provincial centre is already serving its purpose, as the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan helped 68-year-old Ron Langan purchase his first home in Melville. Langan had previously been living in Regina before undertaking a five-year process to acquire his current home. “I just love it there, working on the yard, working on the house. Just working around the whole area. And I have a garage, too,” Langan said. “That makes a big bonus on my part to work outside and then the garage is right here, too. So, it makes it wonderful.” The Ma Faamii centre is the third to open in Saskatchewan, adding to locations in Saskatoon and North Battleford. Lepowick said there are plans for two more to open in short order, in Beauval and Prince Albert.
