The remote northern community of Kingfisher Lake First Nation is set to celebrate the formal ground breaking for a new elementary school.
A special ceremony is scheduled for June 23 and will incorporate honoured guests and a community feast.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the 26,328 square foot building will accommodate K4 through Grade 10 and is sized to house a student population of 153.
It also includes a large play area and living quarters for staff directly across the school site with four duplexes and two bungalows.
The new school will replace the aging, overcrowded building which was originally constructed 51 years ago in 1971.
Officials note it will be a fusion of traditional cultural teaching within a modern classroom setting.
“The goal of this new facility is to equip Kingfisher’s youth with the interpersonal and technical skills to advance their life journey while ensuring that their unique and precious cultural heritage is maintained and strengthened.
The project includes:
-8 large classrooms
-Traditional learning classroom
-Elder’s lounge
-Cafeteria and Kitchen
-Gym with stage, volleyball, basketball and badminton courts
-Library
-Sensory and Health rooms
-Administration and Staff rooms
-Multiple large storage areas
-Bus drop-off loop, softball field, soccer field, two playgrounds, outdoor basketball court, outdoor classroom and medicinal garden
-A teacherage subdivision directly across from the school site including four duplexes and two bungalows
-Water and sanitary servicing
The Government of Canada has committed an investment of $38.7 million for construction.
The completion date for the new school is summer 2023.
Kingfisher Lake is about 350 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout.