Minister Philpott Congratulates First Nation on the Opening of its New School in Esk'etemc, British Columbia Français
ALKALI LAKE, BC, Sept. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Our government is committed to working in genuine partnership with First Nation communities to build school facilities that foster pride and cultural identity while meeting the needs of First Nation students.
The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, offers her congratulations to Chief Charlene Belleau and Esk'etemc First Nation on the official opening of the community's new Sxoxomic School.
The new facility, which accommodates students from preschool to Grade 7, includes three classrooms, a gymnasium, kitchen, pow wow circle and preschool space. The federal government invested $7.3 million to support construction of the new school, and the BC First Nations Health Authority invested $435,000 for construction of the preschool space.
Quotes
"It gives me great pleasure to share my congratulations and best wishes to Chief Charlene Belleau, and the entire Esk'etemc community on the opening of their new school. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to safe and healthy learning environments as part of a brighter future for First Nation students."
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
"Esk'etemc culture and language in Sxoxomic will continue to be cornerstones for success with Esk'etemc children and our families. We have endured the worst wildfire season on record in British Columbia. Our firefighters and emergency responders were determined and ready to save Sxoxomic and our community. We thank Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, First Nations Health Authority, the architects, construction crew and contractors who have worked hard to support our vision for a place of learning that will be a source of pride and inspiration for our children."
Chief Charlene Belleau
Esk'etemc First Nation
"Early childhood education and wellness sets the stage for health and success later in life. We want to thank Chief Charlene Belleau and the Esk'etemc community for their work to bring this project to fruition, there will be many generations of change leaders -- learning about their culture, in a healthy environment closer to home. The FNHA is pleased to support community-driven Nation-based programming like the new Headstart program at the Sxoxomic School."
Joe Gallagher
CEO, First Nations Health Authority
Quick Facts
- Esk'etemc is located 52 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake in the central interior of British Columbia. The community has a registered population of 994 people.
- Budget 2016 invests an additional $969.4 million over five years for the construction, repair and maintenance of First Nations school facilities as part of a long-term strategy to improve education infrastructure in First Nations communities.
- To address the critical need to improve education outcomes, Budget 2016 also makes substantial investments in primary and secondary education on reserve, totalling $2.6 billion over five years starting in 2016-17, including the remaining funding previously announced in Budget 2014 for this purpose.
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Associated Links
Government of Canada Congratulates Esk'etemc First Nation on the Completion of Upgraded Water System
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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
media may contact: Andrew MacKendrick, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, 819-997-0002; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
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