GREATER EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES A REALITY FOR THE AROLAND FIRST NATION

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AROLAND FIRST NATION, ONTARIO (November 24, 2005) - The Government of Canada today announced $8 million in funding to Aroland First Nation for a new school. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Joseph Comuzzi, MP, Thunder Bay-Superior North on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

“We continue to make progress toward reducing the current education gap facing Aboriginal students,” said Mr. Comuzzi. “This community has demonstrated that by working in partnership with the Government of Canada, we can improve the quality and relevance of education for First Nations people.”

At a sod turning ceremony today, Chief Sam Kashkeesh of the Aroland First Nation said the new school will improve the educational outcomes for students of the community. “We are pleased to see the beginning of a new school which will create in our community improved learning conditions for our youth.”

In total, the Government of Canada is providing $8 million over two years for the new school. Of that amount, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has allocated $349,900 for the planning and design of the new school. Construction of the new school is expected to be complete by September 2006 and will house kindergarten to grade eight classrooms. This 1,760 square-metre facility will accommodate up to 120 students and will have a full gymnasium.

The Aroland First Nation is located 400 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, with a membership of approximately 579 and an on-reserve population of 379. The community is accessible year round.

For further information, please contact:

Susan Bertrand
Senior Information Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1559

Don Kelly
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 241-6789