The Government of Canada congratulates Fort Severn and Poplar Hill First Nations on the grand openings of two new schools

OTTAWA, Oct. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada believes every First Nation child deserves the best start in life and we are committed to partnering with First Nations to support a quality education and learning environments for First Nations youth.

Today, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, congratulated Fort Severn and Poplar Hill First Nations on the grand openings of their new schools. Over 275 students from both communities will benefit from the new facilities.

This year, as many as 1,970 students have started the school year in one of the six new schools in First Nations communities, including O'Chiese (AB), Pikangikum (ON), Fort Severn (ON), Poplar Hill (ON), Siksika (AB), and Kwakiutl (BC).

Through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada is investing $969.4 million over five years in First Nation education infrastructure, for the construction, repair and maintenance of First Nations school facilities. These further investments will continue to create quality learning environments, promoting better educational outcomes for First Nation students living on reserves.

Quotes

"Quality learning environments are essential for supporting better educational outcomes. These new schools in Fort Severn and Poplar Hills First Nations will make a significant difference in the lives of the communities and especially the youth, now and for generations to come."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"These new schools will provide First Nations students with safe and healthy places to learn while also providing them with the necessary facilities to achieve their academic goals"

The Honourable Robert D. Nault, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Kenora

"My community is happy that this government has taken swift action to improve the learning environment for the youth in Fort Severn First Nation."

Chief Paul Burke
Fort Severn First Nation

"The community of Poplar Hill is glad that the school is finished. This new facility will provide the basis for a sound education for our youth."

Chief Jacob Strang
Poplar Hill First Nation

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada invested over $44.4 million for the new elementary schools in Fort Severn and Poplar Hill.
• The Fort Severn First Nation elementary school is a 2,041 square metre Kindergarten to Grade 8 facility that will accommodate over 100 students.
• The Poplar Hill First Nation elementary school is a 2,432 square metre Kindergarten to Grade 9 facility that will accommodate close to 175 students.

Associated links

• Budget 2016
• First Nations Enhanced Education Infrastructure Fund
• Fort Severn First Nation Community Profile
• Poplar Hill First Nation Community profile

SOURCE Government of Canada

Contacts: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160; Follow us on Twitter: @GCIndigenous