±¦ÍþÌåÓý

Released on March 20, 2024

The 2024-25 Provincial Budget continues investment in First Nation and Métis communities throughout ±¦ÍþÌåÓý. Approximately $255.2 million in targeted funding will be provided for First Nation and Métis people and organizations, an increase of $6.1 million over 2023-24.

"A rapidly growing ±¦ÍþÌåÓý includes growth for all residents and in all communities," Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said. "Investing in both the present and the future, ±¦ÍþÌåÓý's First Nation and Métis communities will see increased investment in community safety, workforce supports and Indigenous post-secondary education."

This year's budget includes a $91.2 million investment from gaming payments to support Indigenous-led social and economic initiatives in ±¦ÍþÌåÓý. 

The Ministry of Government Relations will receive a $930,000 increase to support First Nation and Métis communities to participate in consultations related to the duty to consult. This includes a $600,000 increase for the Consultation Participation Fund and an operational increase of $330,000 to enhance Government Relations' role under the revised First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund will invest $800,000 for grassroots organizations and communities developing and delivering projects that contribute to preventing violence, building safety and fostering the wellbeing of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.

Increasing Indigenous participation in the workforce contributes to economic reconciliation and offers ±¦ÍþÌåÓý's employers a competitive advantage in addressing their labour force needs. In 2024-25, the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training is increasing its investment to $27.6 million to support Indigenous people in connecting to the labour market. This funding supports ±¦ÍþÌåÓý's post-secondary institutions and services for employers and job seekers, as well as innovative programs and partnerships to equip Indigenous learners with the skills and knowledge they need to enter ±¦ÍþÌåÓý's workforce.

Additional highlights include:

• $21.6 million for First Nations on-reserve policing and enhanced policing (Corrections, Policing and Public Safety);
• $20.1 million for First Nations and Métis preventative supports (Social Services);
• $19.8 million for Indigenous post-secondary education, including Indigenous Language Teacher Education Programs (Advanced Education); and
• Continued investment of $400,000 for First Nation and Métis community partnership projects and sponsorships (Government Relations).

-30-

For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: karen.hill@gov.sk.ca