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KAHNAWAKE, QUEBEC (September 20, 2007) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and Mr. Edward J Cross, Kahnawake's Director of Education, today announced construction of a new high school at Kahnawake.
"I am pleased to announce that Canada's New Government is contributing nearly $10 million towards construction of a state-of-the-art school at Kahnawake," said Minister Strahl. "We hope that by the 2008/2009 school year the doors will be open, and Kahnawake students from grades seven to 11 will keenly gain the skills and knowledge that matter in the new facility.”
Accompanying Minister Strahl at the event was the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Minister responsible for Greater Montreal.
“Canada’s New Government recognizes the crucial importance that education plays in improving the quality of life of First Nations,” said Minister Fortier. “This Government is moving to ensure First Nation students enjoy the same opportunities as those elsewhere in Canada.”
“The new Kahnawake Survival School is the final project from a Kahnawake education facilities rebuilding perspective. The new facility provides current and future students with the opportunity to obtain their secondary education within the territory of Kahnawake, with curriculum adapted for our unique cultural needs, all within this beautiful new facility. We appreciate INAC's significant financial contribution towards the project,” said Mr. Louie John Diabo, Project Manager.
The new 6,000 square metre Kahnawake Survival School will include laboratories, computer rooms, a library, a gym, a cafeteria and rooms for specialized services like art and wood-working. It replaces the school's current facilities, which include 15 buildings of varying ages and quality. The school hopes to open its doors to Kahnawake students from grades seven to 11 in time for the 2008/2009 school year.
The architecture of the new facility was inspired by symbols contained in the oral history of the Mohawks, but also includes many contemporary designs for energy efficiency, such as geo-thermal heating and cooling.
The Mohawk community of Kahnawake is located 10 km southwest of Montréal, on the south shore of Lake Saint-Louis.
For further information please contact:
Media Relations – INAC
(819) 953-1160
Louie John Diabo
Project Manager
Kahnawake Education Centre
(450) 632-8770
Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Hélène Philippe
Regional Communications Manager
INAC Quebec
(418) 648-4285
