Ref. #2-3418
Ottawa, Ontario (October 18, 2010) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians, congratulates the Kitcisakik First Nation on the grand opening of their new school. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today, which was the first day of classes for the students.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has made an investment of $1.8 million in these facilities through the department's Capital Facilities and Maintenance program. The work involved the construction of a school at Lac Dozois that will accommodate students from Kindergarten through Grade 6. The previous facility could not accommodate all grades in one building, and some children had to board in Val d'Or, more than 60 kilometres from their community.
“Education is one of the Government of Canada's key priorities,” said Minister Duncan.
“I am pleased to see that our efforts to improve the living conditions for members of the Kitcisakik First Nation have led to the construction of this school, so that students can study within their community without having to leave their families.”
“Our government is committed to ensuring that long-lasting infrastructure is in place to support current needs and future development,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources.
“The Mikizicec School represents the culmination of the work of the entire community that will launch it into a brighter future,” said the Chief of the Kitcisakik First Nation, Adrienne Anichinapéo. “For the first time ever, our families are united around one school, which will set the course for the future establishment of our new community, Wanaki.”
This announcement comes on the heels of intensive work by the federal and provincial governments and the Kitcisakik Band Council to improve the living conditions in the community. On December 14, 2009, the three parties collectively announced major investments in housing, energy and school facilities. The federal government's contribution was the construction of this elementary school.
“This work is a testament to the commitment of the government of Quebec to improving the conditions for the people of Kitcisakik. The success of any community rests on the value that is placed on the education of its children. That is why we believe firmly in education and skills development that will propel the people of Kitcisakik toward a brighter future,” said the Quebec Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and MNA for Abitibi-East, Pierre Corbeil.
Kitcisakik is located 66 kilometres south of Val d'Or, where the Ottawa River flows into Grand Lac Victoria. In 2009-2010, there were 16 pre-schoolers and 45 children enrolled at the elementary level.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Press Secretary
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
Kitcisakik First Nation
Conseil des Anicinapek de Kitcisakik
(819) 736-3001
