ESGENOÔPETITJ FIRST NATION, NEW BRUNSWICK (November 7, 2012) – Tilly O’Neill Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today joined Chief Alvery Murray Paul, members of the Band Council, staff and students of the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation to celebrate the official opening of the new school.
“The new school provides Esgenoôpetitj First Nation students with a safe and healthy learning environment where they will gain skills and knowledge to help prepare them for the future,” said MP Tilly O’Neill Gordon. “The Harper Government is working to ensure that First Nation students have access to education that encourages them to stay in school, graduate and get the skills they need to enter the labour market.”
“Our Government is committed to working with First Nations to ensure students have quality learning environments,” said Minister Duncan. “Projects like this one are yet another concrete example of our Government’s commitment to First Nations education.”
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) invested $9.4 million in the construction of the new school. The kindergarten to grade eight school has two kindergarten classes, nine regular classrooms and includes a library and resource centre, an auditorium/gymnasium, computer room, science room, health room, and a cafeteria. The facility also includes a separate dental office to serve the community. The school has the capacity to accommodate up to 286 students for enrolment growth.
“The new Esgenoôpetitj School signifies the commitment of the Chief and Council and the Government of Canada in improving the education of our children of Esgenoôpetitj,” said Chief Alvery Paul. “We are grateful to the Government of Canada in responding so quickly in replacing our school that was lost in the fire of June 11, 2009. It is my hope by continuing to work together we will lay the foundation of a quality education of our children.”
The $9.4 million investment was funded through the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2009.
Our Government will continue to work with First Nation partners across Canada to deliver tangible and lasting results and ensure First Nations are well-positioned to be full participants in a strong Canadian economy.
Esgenoôpetitj First Nation is located in northeastern New Brunswick. The community has a total population of 1713 people, of whom 1250 live on reserve.
