Harper Government Delivers Results for First Nations Students

News Release

Red Earth Cree Nation celebrates grand re-opening of K–12 school

May 14, 2015 Red Earth Cree Nation, SK Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Newly expanded and renovated Mamawe Awasis Elementary School at Red Earth Cree Nation in Saskatchewan

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, both congratulated Red Earth Cree Nation today on the grand opening and rededication of the community’s expanded and renovated Mamawe Awasis Elementary School.

The school includes new elementary space for K4–Grade 8 students along with an on-site daycare and space for the community’s Head Start Program. In addition, the school incorporates on-site student dental healthcare programming and services. In total, over 2,280 square metres of floor space were added to the existing school.

Our Government is focused on what matters most to Canadians—growing the economy and helping create jobs. That is why the Government continues to invest in new schools, like Mamawe Awasis Elementary School, and support the construction of provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure, while maximizing local employment opportunities.

Quick facts

Red Earth Cree Nation is located approximately 216 km northeast of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
There are currently 510 students enrolled at the school, with an additional 40 students enrolled in the daycare and Head Start programs.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada contributed over $18.5 million to renovate and expand Mamawe Awasis Elementary School.
Funding to build and renovate schools was announced in Economic Action Plan 2014, with $500 million over seven years beginning in 2015 -16 for a new Education Infrastructure Fund. This funding represents a continuation of the investments in school infrastructure announced in Budget 2012.
For more information on our Government's investment in First Nations' school infrastructure, please visit the online Education Facilities Progress Report – April 2008 to March 2013.

Quotes

"Canada recognizes the importance of creating safe learning environments that encourage students from First Nations. I would like to congratulate Red Earth Cree Nation on the re-opening of their school and also emphasize how pleased our Government is to contribute toward providing their children with a safe learning environment. We will continue to collaborate with our First Nations partners across Canada to generate concrete results and to ensure that the First Nations are able to participate fully in a dynamic Canadian economy."
- Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Investments in First Nations schools such as the Mamawe Awasis Elementary School will help prepare thousands of young people for future educational and economic opportunities. We are helping build stronger First Nations communities and educating the next generation of leaders."
- Rob Clarke,
Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River

"One of the keys to obtaining a proper education is to ensure our students have a stronger foundation from which to continue to exercise and benefit from their collective right to education under Treaty, and that they have access to a welcoming and modern facility that is conducive to learning. By expanding and enhancing our school now, we are establishing an environment which will not only benefit our students today, but also for those to follow in the many years to come."
- Chief Ian McKay,
Red Earth Cree Nation

Additional links

Contacts

Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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2016-12-14

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Harper Government Delivers Results for First Nations Students

News Release

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