The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) has released a province-wide action plan in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The plan aims to respond to the immediate needs of Métis Nation citizens who have been affected by the pandemic.

“This is an unprecedented time and many Métis Nation citizens and families — like so many all over the world — have been impacted by loss of income, home insecurity, school and daycare closures, mental stress and isolation and other life-changing situations,” MNA’s president, Audrey Poitras, said in a statement on Monday.

“The MNA is taking action to ease some of the stresses Métis Nation citizens and families are experiencing so that we can all wait out this pandemic in safety and security.”

The Interim COVID-19 Support Plan encompasses key areas of need for Métis Nation citizens, including housing, family and child care support.

The plan was made possible through funding from the MNA, its affiliates and $7.5 million from the federal government through the COVID-19 Indigenous Community Support Fund.

While the MNA awaits the arrival of the federal funds, officials said the support plan will be delivered through its province-wide self-government structure in an effort to provide immediate relief for its members.

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The plan includes additional funding for the following four programs:

Citizens, Families and Seniors Direct Support Program

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