Harper Government Delivers Results for First Nations Students

Construction of new school to create job opportunities

SIKSIKA NATION, AB, Feb. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced $8.9 million in funding from our Government towards the completion of a new elementary school at Siksika Nation in southern Alberta.

The new school, which is set to replace the aged Crowfoot School, will be 3,319 square metres and able to accommodate up to 300 students from preschool to Grade 6. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2015 and completion is expected in 2017.

Our Government is focused on what matters most to Canadians – growing the economy and helping create jobs. That is why our Government continues to invest in new schools, like Siksika Nation, and support the construction of provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure, while maximizing local employment opportunities.

Quick facts

• Siksika Nation has a total registered onreserve population of 3,875 and a total registered population of 7,055. The Nation is located approximately 87 kilometres southeast of Calgary.
• Our Government, through Budget 2012, is investing $8.9 million towards the construction of the new school, thereby also aiding in the creation of jobs in Siksika Nation. The total cost of the new school is $21.3 million, with Siksika Nation providing the remainder.
• For more information on our Government's investment in First Nations' school infrastructure, please visit the online Education Facilities Progress Report – April 2008 to March 2013.

Quotes

"Canada recognizes the importance of creating safe learning environments that encourage students from First Nations. I would like to congratulate Siksika Nation on the commencement of this project and for providing their children with a safe learning environment. We will continue to collaborate with our First Nations partners across Canada to generate concrete results and to ensure that the First Nations are able to participate fully in a dynamic Canadian economy."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Our Government is delivering results for Canadians and supporting measures that will help create jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal people. Aboriginal participation in the economy is key to a more prosperous and vibrant Canada and that is why I am extremely pleased to announce and congratulate Siksika Nation on their new school."

Mark Strahl
Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon

"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."

Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman
Siksika Nation

Related products

Education Facilities Progress Reports
National First Nation Infrastructure Investment Plan
Canada's Economic Action Plan

Associated links

Siksika Nation community profile
Siksika Nation website
Siksika Board of Education

SOURCE Government of Canada

Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.