BETSIAMITES (Québec), December 17, 2004 -- Today, the Betsiamites Band Council will mark the completion of the expansion of the Nussim School with an official visit to the site. Seventeen new classrooms were added, and the existing computer room was expanded, thanks to the financial contribution of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in the amount of $1,652,780, and a contribution of $400,000 by the Betsiamites Band Council. Given the need for classrooms, the requirements of the instructional program and the provincial government's education reform, the Nussim School was expanded by a surface area of 1,235 m2 over two floors. The first floor houses the pre-school, kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 students. The second floor includes classrooms for the Cycle II and Cycle III elementary students. "This young and growing Aboriginal population has great potential. The Government of Canada is determined to work on a partnership basis to ensure that these young Aboriginal people reach their full potential and are well prepared to meet the needs of the labour market. All Canadians will benefit from healthy and dynamic Aboriginal communities. The Betsiamites community is a fine example on several levels," said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. Chief Raphaël Picard added, "I am very pleased with this expansion which represents a major advantage for the education of Innu children in an environment that is conducive to learning. Education is one the main tools that will foster the self-sufficiency of future generations." The Betsiamites Innu community is located on Côte-Nord and consists of 3,319 members, 2,647 of whom live in the territory. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Hélène Philippe Regional Communications Manager Québec Regional Office Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Telephone: (418) 648-7675 Pierre Hervieux Media Relations Betsiamites Band Council Telephone: (418) 567-2217
