Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Alberta, December 5, 2023 — A federal investment of more than $16.1 million will help construct a new education facility in Beaver Lake Cree Nation to improve the learning environment for students and staff.

Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Chief Gary D. Lameman of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation, this project will remove barriers to education within the local area and improve accessibility to career training programs, positioning it as a valuable resource for the community.

Through this investment, a new high school will be established for students from grades 10 to 12. This new school will be beneficial to the students of Beaver Lake Cree Nation by providing them with the ability to attend school in their own community. Along with the full provincial curriculum, this education facility will offer cultural programming, relevant career training, and academic and emotional support services to ensure students will succeed and thrive in their lives. Additionally, adult education programs will be supported by the facility, which will feature expansive views of nature. A dedicated elders and mentors space and a comfortable resource area are also included. Green technologies, land-based learning, and traditional cultural programs will help to inspire generations of environmentally aware young adults.

The 1,900 square meter facility is expected to have net-zero carbon performance, and will feature flexible, multi-purposes spaces. The building will be a living lab of sustainable and environmental programs. The entire net-zero system will be designed as a learning environment for science and career training programs. The school is set in a natural wooded site, with access to outdoor learning spaces from all classrooms. The efficient and compact layout allows for lower construction and operational costs as well as for reduced carbon emissions during and after the project completion.