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Fort Severn celebrates opening of new school

Fort Severn First Nation celebrates official opening of new $22-million school
Ribbon Cutting
Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler was among the dignitaries who cut the ribbon to officially open the Wasaho Cree Nation School in Fort Severn First Nation. (photo supplied)

Fort Severn is celebrating the official opening of a new school.

The $22-million building was dedicated Monday at a ceremony on the Fort Severn First Nation, 850 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

The school in Ontario’s most northerly community has seven classrooms accommodating 24 students each. It is equipped with science and computer labs, a library, gymnasium, special education classroom and athletic facilities including soccer and baseball fields and an outdoor hockey rink.

Fort Severn Chief Paul Burke described the school as “a gift that will hopefully span generations and open doors for a new breed of indigenous youth who have access to a global community.

"Now that we have a proper school, we need to concentrate on providing the tools and support for the staff to continue to inspire our children to grow and mature.”

The school has a staff of 17 but officials are in the process of hiring more.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox, who holds NAN’s education portfolio, said the school will allow the youth of Fort Severn to pursue their education in a safe and healthy environment.

Fox, who attended the ceremony along with NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, said embracing the Cree culture is a crucial aspect of children’s education. 

In a telephone interview with tbnewswatch.com, he pointed out that guests at the dedication ceremony were presented with gift packets of traditional Labrador tea. 

“In that particular region, Labrador tea is found everywhere," Fox said. "It’s a powerful medicinal tea, and this is something  that the kids could be doing, as part of their curriculum."

Fox added that it’s important that proper resources are in place for ensuring the children learn and retain the Cree language as part of their schooling.

Funding for the school  was announced by the federal government in 2015.  Construction began in the spring of that year after building materials were shipped to the remote community using the winter ice road network.

Fort Severn has a population of 550.   





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