FLYING DUST FIRST NATION’S NEW SCHOOL TO MEET FUTURE DEMANDS

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FLYING DUST FIRST NATION, SASKATCHEWAN (November 25, 2005) - Flying Dust First Nation in northeast Saskatchewan is ready to meet the educational needs of its rapidly growing student population with the opening of a $5.3-million school.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Chief Percy Derocher of the Flying Dust First Nation together announced the grand opening of Kopahawakenum School. The school’s Cree name means “lifting dust” or “Flying Dust” and serve 135 students from Nursery to Grade 4.

“Education is one of the top priorities of this government, as outlined in education round table discussions with Aboriginal leaders,” said Minister Goodale. “We recognize that in order to become successful adults, children need a curriculum that emphasizes the importance of Aboriginal culture and identity.”

“Kopahawakenum School will help us provide modern educational programming that is sensitive to our children’s spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. It provides us with an opportunity to give our children the education they deserve,” said Chief Derocher.

Construction of the school created 10,500 hours of employment for community members. The school includes five classrooms, library/resource centre, computer room, multi-purpose room for the school nurse and speech pathologist, gymnasium, stage and playground.

Kopahawakenum School aims to address not only the academic needs of its students, but also issues of health and wellness – achieved, in part, through the hands-on involvement of community elders and parents/caregivers.

Students from Grades 5 to 12 attend school in Meadow Lake, as part of an education partnership with the Meadow Lake School Division.

Flying Dust First Nation is located on the northeast side of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.

 

For further information contact:

Chief Percy Derocher
Flying Dust First Nation
Meadow Lake, SK
(306) 236-4437

James Parker
Sr. Communications Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Saskatchewan Region
(306) 780-7136