$8.9M promised to Siksika

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

On Feb. 27 the Canadian government announced its plans to provide $8.9 million in funding towards the construction of the new Crowfoot school on Siksika Nation.
The money invested will be added to the approximately $12.4 million provided by Siksika Nation.
“The new school, which will replace the aging Crowfoot School, will accommodate 300 students from preschool to Grade 6,” said Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
“We know that if we improve the school infrastructure here that the learning outcomes, the ability to learn, will increase as well,” said Strahl.
“If we stay on schedule … we will be open next fall. For us that’s such a big milestone, the board of education has worked so hard on trying to get the school done,” said Hector Winnipeg, on the Siksika Board of Education.
This past year the existing school had to be closed due to safety issues, and the students at one point were in the gym bundled up trying to keep warm.
“That’s what really pushed us to go and really fight and get this over with,” said Winnipeg, who added that plans for the school have been in the works since before his time on council. He is now in his fifth term.
“We did have to cut some costs, but we wanted to concentrate on the building itself,” said Winnipeg.
Two of the things eliminated for now are the track and the parent drop-off. Between the two the board is able to save approximately $700,000.
Winnipeg said it is an exciting time, and once the ribbon is cut to officially open the doors, it will be a dream come true to some of the people who have been advocating for the school for so long.
“We are committed to making our education system second to none. In fact we want to bring back all the students and make it second to none. Our goal is commitment to having a strong education system,” said Winnipeg.
“We’re very, very thankful today for the contribution that the Government of Canada has given for our Nation, and that amount of money is something we’re very appreciative of and we’re very thankful,” said Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman.
“Siksika Nation Leadership has always strived to ensure that our children get the best quality education. The development of a new school facility is not only a key component in contributing to a quality education, but most importantly, ensuring our children are learning in a safe and healthy environment. We will continue to work towards providing the highest education standards for our children.”
By working together, he said, the needs of the children will be met and it will help them move forward in life towards a better and brighter future.