COMPLETION OF MAJOR RENOVATION OF THREE PRIMARY-ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN KAHNAWÁ:KE

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KAHNAWÁ:KE (Quebec), November 4, 2005 - The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and the Kahnawá:ke Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, announced today the official opening of the Karonhianónhnha School. The new facility was completed in September and has been in operation since the beginning of the current school year.

This marks the completion of the final phase of a major renovation/construction project for three primary-elementary schools in Kahnawá:ke. Total costs for the three schools (Kateri, Step-By-Step and Karonhianónhnha) was over $13 million, with $11.6 million contributed from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and $1.75 million from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke and the Kahnawá:ke Combined Schools Committee.

Karonhianónhnha is a Mohawk-language immersion school that has 12 elementary and 4 pre-school classrooms. There is 40 full-time staff with an additional 8 part-time workers.

"A solid education is integral to a better quality of life and enhanced economic opportunities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people," explained Andy Scott, Indian and Northern Affairs Minister and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-status Indians. "The Government of Canada is committed to improving educational outcomes for all Aboriginal Peoples."

“This marks the completion of an important renewal of education facilities in Kahnawá:ke,” remarked Chief Delisle. “Our educators can now concentrate most of their efforts in the preparation and implementation of programs and curricula.”

Kahnawá:ke is a Mohawk community located on the outskirts of Montreal. It is the largest First Nation community in Quebec. Of its 9,000 members, 7,000 reside on the Territory.

For additional information, please contact:

Hélène Philippe
Regional Communications Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(418) 648-7675

Joseph Delaronde
Press Attaché
Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke
(450) 632-7500

Ka’nahsohon Deer
Karonhianónhnha School Principal
(450) 638-2970