Government of Canada invests in new elementary school for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg

BIIGTIGONG NISHNAABEG, ON, April 12, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government is committed to working in partnership with First Nations to provide quality learning environments and ensure equal access to education opportunities for First Nation students.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, today announced an investment of over $1.2 million for the design and preliminary site work for a new elementary school for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg.

Biigtigong Nishnaabeg is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Marathon and has an on-reserve population of approximately 530.

Construction on the new school is set to start in the fall of 2018 and is expected to be open by September 2020, and will be for kindergarten to Grade 8.

Quotes

"Our government is proud to work in partnership with First Nations to support vibrant learning environments that foster cultural identity for their students. I am excited for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg as this projects gets underway to provide quality education in a new and modern facility for the next generation of leaders."

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

"We are pleased that with this support from the Government of Canada, we will soon have an enriched learning environment for our youth. Starting their path to learning in a safe, culturally appropriate, and comfortable school will help to motivate them to continue on to higher learning and satisfying careers."

Chief Duncan Michano
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg

Quick Facts

• The school has a projected enrolment of 135 students in grades kindergarten to eight.
• Through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada is investing $969.4 million over five years for the construction, repair and maintenance of First Nation school facilities as part of a long-term strategy to improve education infrastructure in First Nations communities.
• 169 First Nation education projects are completed or underway. These projects, ranging from school repairs to the building of new schools, benefit more than 200,000 people in 168 First Nation communities.

Associated Links

Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation (Biigtigong Nishnaabeg)
Budget 2016 Education 
First Nation Enhanced Education Infrastructure Fund
Infrastructure in First Nations Communities

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada