Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia (June 10, 2013) - Today, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, congratulated the Wagmatcook First Nation and the Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey for the dedication, perseverance, and hard work that has gone into making the Wagmatcookewey School a reality.
Our Government is committed to ensuring that First Nation youth benefit from the same opportunities as all other Canadians. We will continue to help Aboriginal youth reach their full potential and become active participants in the Canadian economy. The Wagmatcookewey School represents a positive investment for your community's youth and I want to thank all the partners involved for participating in this important initiative.
Our Government invested in the construction of the new school through the Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey Education Agreement, which is administered by the Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey and provides Mi'kmaq jurisdiction over education for 11 Nova Scotia First Nations. The agreement allows for predictable funding which enables long-term planning and strategic investments in infrastructure. Funding from the agreement was used for the construction of the Wagmatcookewey School.
The students at Wagmatcook will benefit from a strong and innovative learning environment which will aid them in building a sound education in a positive and culturally supportive way.
The Harper Government will continue to fulfil its commitment to invest in First Nation education and to create the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient First Nation communities.
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
