Constance Lake First Nation celebrate grand opening of new education centre
INAC Press Release: 2-02712
CALSTOCK, ONTARIO (September 30, 2005) - The residents of Constance Lake First Nation, today, celebrated the grand opening of their new $13.3 million Holistic Education Centre.
Attending, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, spoke at the opening of the community’s pride in its new education facility.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to be a partner with communities such as Constance Lake in creating a better life for its children,” he said. “As promised in the October 2004 Speech From the Throne, we will continue to ensure - step by step, day by day - that the gaps in life chances between Aboriginals and other Canadians are reduced. This facility, and others like it, will help us reach that goal.”
“Our children are the future of this community,” said Chief Arthur Moore. “By creating a healthy and safe learning environment, it is our hope that these children will become well-educated young adults who will preserve and enhance the well-being of this community and the region.”
Funding for the new education centre was provided through a partnership between Indian and Northern Affairs Canada ($11.9 million) and the First Nation ($1.4 million). The new 4,142m2 education centre provides approximately 400 spaces for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and teachings in the traditional Cree language.
Designed by Don Courtnage and built by Pennco Construction Ltd of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the school’s teepee style front entrance opens to a circular foyer with a colour scheme of earth tones to emphasize the holistic philosophy of the First Nation, and highlight the importance of the Oji-Cree culture.
The Constance Lake First Nation is located 40 kilometres northwest of Hearst, with a membership of approximately 1,400 and an on-reserve population of 758.
For further information, contact:
Tony Prudori
Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Ontario Region
(807) 624-1535
Stella Etherington
Director of Education
Constance Lake First Nation
(705) 463-1199