Onion Lake Cree Nation celebrates start of construction of a new high school with sod turning ceremony

ONION LAKE CREE NATION, TREATY 6 TERRITORY, SK, June 25, 2019 /CNW/ - An essential component of a student's education is having a safe and healthy place in which to learn. The Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with First Nations communities to build school facilities that help improve educational outcomes and foster pride and cultural identity for First Nations students.

Today, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, congratulated Onion Lake Cree Nation at a sod turning ceremony for their new high school. The school will be a state-of-the-art facility for learning and will accommodate the growing student population.

The Government of Canada is investing $ 36.8 million in this project and Onion Lake Cree Nation is contributing an additional $3.1 million.

Construction begins in July 2019 and the school is set to open in 2021.

Quotes

"Congratulations to Chief Lewis and the Onion Lake Cree Nation council on this exciting and important project. Education is critical to improving opportunities for First Nations youth, and all students need safe, welcoming learning environments to achieve their best. This new high school will provide the students of Onion Lake Cree Nation with a modern space in which to learn and reach their potential."

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

Quick Facts

• Onion Lake Cree Nation is located in west-central Saskatchewan, directly north of Lloydminster, SK.
• The new school has a projected enrolment of 500 students and will include a large gym, indoor running track and lecture theatre.

Associated links

Investing in First Nations community infrastructure
Profile of Onion Lake Cree Nation
Onion Lake Cree Nation

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

For further information: media may contact: Kevin Deagle, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services, 873-354-0987; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [e-mail]