AANDC press releases ...

Government Congratulates Cat Lake First Nation on the Opening of its New School

CAT LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (September 6, 2013) - On behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, the Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire, and Member of Parliament for Kenora, along with Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley, today celebrated the opening of the Lawrence Wesley Education Centre.

"Our Government is committed to the growth and long-term prosperity of our communities and of all Canadians," said Minister Rickford. "Today's announcement demonstrates that our Government is listening to First Nation partners, and that we are working together on shared priorities to provide students with access to the same education available to all Canadians and ensuring their success to become productive members of their communities, right here in Northern Ontario."

Our Government is committed to the principle of First Nation control of First Nation education, and will continue to work with First Nation partners to ensure that First Nations have the same access to improved education as all Canadians. This new, fully equipped school will provide current and future students of Cat Lake First Nation with a safe and welcoming learning environment that reflects their unique needs and interests, to help them reach their full potential. The new kindergarten to Grade 8 facility in Cat Lake First Nation will accommodate approximately 176 students and is 2,249 square metres in size.

"This new school will improve the educational outcomes of our community's students and represents hope for our young people, who will one day be our leaders," said Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley.

Between April 2006 and March 2012, the Government of Canada has provided funding to support the completion of 429 school projects, including the building of 36 new schools and 393 renovations and other school related projects.

Cat Lake First Nation is located 179 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and has an on-reserve population of 545.

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Government of Canada Announces Settlement of Specific Claim and the Re-Opening of the School at Sandy Lake First Nation

SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (September 6, 2013) - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and Sandy Lake First Nation Chief Bart Meekis, today announced two major milestones for the Sandy Lake First Nation. These successes include the settlement agreement of the Roman Catholic Mission Specific Claim and the re-opening of the Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School, which has been substantially reconstructed following severe fire damage in February 2012.

"Following last year's fire, I am pleased to announce the re-opening of the Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School," said Minister Rickford. "Our Government moved quickly to support the community and ensure that its students could move back into the school. We are proud to be a part of this community effort and in the face of this adversity, to turning the page towards the future."

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada provided almost $3.8 million for renovations to the Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School. The school is a Kindergarten to Grade 6 facility that accommodates 406 students. The children attended classes in temporary accommodations while renovations were completed.

"The re-opening of our elementary school is an important event for the community," said Sandy Lake First Nation Chief Bart Meekis. "The school provides our children with an environment where they can learn, grow and work toward a future filled with hope and success."

The settlement agreement of the Roman Catholic Mission Specific Claim also represents an important achievement for the community.

The Roman Catholic Mission Specific Claim was accepted for negotiation by Canada on September 29, 2011. The claim concerns the occupation by the Roman Catholic Mission of approximately 291 acres included as part of the reserve (I.R. 88) upon its creation in 1945. Canada has agreed to compensate the First Nation in the amount of $424,015 for the full and final settlement agreement of the specific claim.

"This settlement agreement demonstrates our willingness to work with First Nation partners across the country to achieve results at the negotiation tables," added Minister Rickford. "It is in the best interest of all Canadians to bring closure to First Nations grievances and put the mistakes of the past behind us."

"The settlement of this specific claim puts to rest a longstanding error of the past, allowing us to move forward in a new spirit of reconciliation," stated Chief Meekis. "Bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion is an achievement we can be proud of."

Sandy Lake First Nation is located approximately 227 kilometres northeast of Red Lake, Ontario, and has an on-reserve population of 2,507.