Canada and Manitoba First Nations collaborate to build more schools
November 29, 2024 — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty 1 Territory — Indigenous Services Canada, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, Norway House Cree Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, and Garden Hill First Nation
Every child deserves access to quality education in spaces that celebrate their culture and identity. First Nations, in partnership with the Government of Canada, are taking significant steps to build and improve educational facilities that will deliver high-quality and culturally relevant education and services for children.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, joined Chief Kerwin Chaboyer of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, Chief Larson Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation, Chief Doreen Spence of Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Chief Shirley Ducharme of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, and Chief Dino Flett of Garden Hill First Nation to announce progress on school projects in each of their communities.
These five projects are part of the investments outlined in Budget 2024 and include:
- O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation: Construction of a new kindergarten to Grade 12 school and housing for teachers.
- Norway House Cree Nation: Renovations and building improvements to Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre and Jack River School.
- Tataskweyak Cree Nation: Design for a new elementary and secondary school in Tataskweyak Cree Nation
- O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation and Garden Hill First Nation: Feasibility studies and designs for new schools.
All projects are at various stages in the project planning process that will continue into 2025.
These initiatives, supported by investments from Indigenous Services Canada, demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation by providing opportunities for First Nations to create educational environments that reflect their cultural values, traditions, and educational goals.