OTTAWA, Sept. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada is working with First Nation communities to create quality learning environments that are safe and healthy, thereby promoting better educational outcomes for First Nation students living on reserves.
Today, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, congratulated O'Chiese First Nation in Alberta on the completion and official opening of its new Ne Sah Soh Is Koh Dahn School.
This joint initiative between the Government of Canada and the First Nation will accommodate up to 375 students from K4 to Grade 12 and will feature a library, cafeteria, gymnasium and administrative spaces.
This year, as many as 1,970 students are starting the school year in one of the six new schools in First Nations communities, including O'Chiese, Pikangikum (ON), Fort Severn (ON), Poplar Hill (ON), Siksika (AB), and Kwakiutl (BC).
Quote
"Working together in a spirit of co-operation and renewal, the Government of Canada and O'Chiese First Nation have made the building and construction of this new school a reality. I congratulate Chief Darren Whitford, council members and the O'Chiese Education Authority on the completion of this wonderful facility for their community and youth."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
Quick facts
- Canada invested $10 million to support the construction of the new Ne Sah Soh Is Koh Dahn School, and an additional $8.8 million to bring utilities to the school site.
- Budget 2016 will invest $969.4 million over five years for the construction, repair and maintenance of First Nations school facilities, as part of a long-term strategy to improve First Nations education infrastructure.
Associated Links
O'Chiese First Nation
O'Chiese Education
Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education
Budget 2016
Stay Connected, Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr.
You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.
SOURCE Government of Canada
media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
Share this article