Wabaseemoong and the North Spirit Lake First Nations getting new schools for students

INAC press release 

Canada's Economic Action Plan Delivers New School for the
Wabaseemoong and the North Spirit Lake First Nations in Northern Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario (April 17, 2009) - Members of the Wabaseemoong and the
North Spirit Lake First Nations will benefit from new schools, thanks to
the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan.  

Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, made the announcement on
behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and
Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status
Indians. 

"Facilities like this will help First Nation students obtain the skills
and knowledge they need to grow, flourish and contribute to strong,
healthy communities," said MP Greg Rickford.

These projects are part of the $200 million for new schools and major
renovations included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal
peoples under Canada*s Economic Action Plan.

The Mizhakiiwetung Memorial School for the Wabaseemoong First Nation
will be a new Kindergarten to Grade 12 facility to accommodate 460
students. Construction will begin in 2009-2010, and is expected to be
complete in 2010-2011. The Wabaseemoong First Nation is located 95
kilometres northwest of Kenora, Ontario.

"The new facility will improve the educational outcomes and well being
of Aboriginal students so that they excel and achieve in every aspect of
their education," said Eric Fisher, Chief of Wabaseemoong.

The Department will also invest in the construction of a new school in
the North Spirit Lake First Nation. Construction will begin in
2009-2010, and is expected to be complete in 2010-2011. The Kindergarten
to Grade Nine facility will accommodate 90 students. The First Nation
is located in northwestern Ontario.

"The youth of the North Spirit Lake community deserve to learn in school
buildings that reflect the importance and quality of their education,"
stated Chief Rita Thompson. *The new school will provide the platform
for enriching their chances to reach their full potential," she
continued.

The Government of Canada is taking action to improve the lives of First
Nations and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities
through targeted infrastructure investments. Investments in school
infrastructure projects will help ensure First Nation students have a
strong and productive educational experience, which starts with access
to quality infrastructure that is conducive to learning. 

Project costs will be identified following the competitive tendering
process.

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Backgrounders on First Nations Infrastructure and Capital Facilities and
Maintenance Program are also available on the Internet at: http://inac-ainc.gc.ca

For further information, please contact:

INAC

Media Relations

(819) 953-1160

Nina Chiarelli

Press Secretary

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl

(819) 997-0002