Wabaseemoong First Nation's New School officially opened today
AANDC press release
Parliamentary Secretary Rickford Participates in the Grand Opening of Wabaseemoong First Nation's New School
WABASEEMOONG FIRST NATION, ONTARIO, Oct 12, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated the Wabaseemoong First Nation on the grand opening of the Mizhakiiwetung Memorial School.
"The Mizhakiiwetung Memorial School is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when First Nations and the government work in partnership together," said Mr. Rickford. "Our government recognizes that education is the best tool for strong and vibrant communities and we are proud to be a partner in this important project."
The Mizhakiiwetung Memorial School is a 16 classroom facility for kindergarten to grade 12 students. This 4,515 square metre school accommodates up to 460 students. In addition, the 8.4 hectares site includes a hockey rink, a baseball diamond, a multi-purpose track and field and a separate fenced area for kindergarten students, which includes play equipment. This project was made possible thanks to a $25 million investment under Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP).
"I would like to acknowledge the Government of Canada, as without its fundamental contributions, this project would not have been possible," said Chief Eric Nelson Fisher. "I look forward to witnessing generations of learners passing through the school and reaching their full potential."
The Government of Canada is taking action to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Investments in school infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation students have a strong and productive educational experience.
In the last two years, the Government of Canada has provided over $173 million across the country to build new and renovate existing First Nation schools under Canada's Economic Action Plan. This is in addition to the Government of Canada's annual investments of approximately $200 million to support school infrastructure projects and the operation and maintenance of existing facilities in First Nation communities.
The Wabaseemoong First Nation is located 95 kilometres northwest of Kenora, Ontario. It has a total population of 1,827, of which 907 live on reserve.