The Government of Canada Joins the Winneway Community in Celebrating the Opening of the New Amo Ososwan School
News Release
January 13, 2017 –Winneway, QC – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
The academic achievement of First Nations children, as well as their health and well-being, depends in large part on the quality of the schools they attend. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in the building and renovating of First Nations schools, because safe and healthy learning spaces foster student success.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, was in Winneway, Quebec, today to announce an investment of close to $9.2 million for the community. She also took advantage of her visit to celebrate the opening of Amo Ososwan School. The new facilities will provide approximately 130 students from pre-kindergarten to Secondary V with a new learning environment that comprises 14 classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, a home economics room, science and computer labs, as well as a gym with bleachers that could potentially have a retractable stage.
The Minister announced several other infrastructure projects from Budget 2016, including the construction of an Elders’ cultural area and a community radio station (see backgrounder for project details).
Quotes
“I am honoured to be here today with the Winneway community and their guests to celebrate the opening of their new school. Over 130 students will now have a place to learn that will strengthen their Anishnaabe culture and educational outcomes. I look forward to continuing to work with the community of Winneway in supporting further infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of life and the pride of its residents.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
“This investment addresses a priority of the Government of Quebec, namely education. I am pleased to see that this tangible action will promote the success of Winneway’s children in school and contribute to the community’s vitality.”
Geoffrey Kelley,
Provincial Minister responsible for Native Affairs
“Today is a proud day for my community’s children, parents, and our community. During my first term as Chief, it was the wishes of our members to continue with the ongoing school project, to finally get it started and also completed. This was always our priority, our children. I am more than satisfied with the outcome of our new school and thank our contributors at the department of INAC and all the professionals and construction collaboration and relationships that resulted from this project.”
Derek Mathias,
Chief, Long Point First Nation
Quick facts
- Budget 2016 proposes historic investments of $4.6 billion over five years to support infrastructure projects in First Nation and Inuit communities.
- The Winneway community is located in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, approximately 100 km southwest of Val-d'Or. It has 850 members, 449 of whom reside in the community.
- Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada provided $9.8 million, including $6.7 million from Budget 2016, for the design and construction of Amo Ososwan School.
- The school is called Amo Ososwan (an Algonquin word meaning “hive”) because of its distinctive beehive-shaped architecture, which gives it a unique style. The school’s design is adapted to student needs and also integrates elements of Algonquin culture.
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For more information, the media may contact:
Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316
Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
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