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NEW PINE CREEK FIRST NATION SCHOOL DEMONSTRATES SPEECH FROM THE THRONE COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION

PINE CREEK FIRST NATION, MANITOBA (November 5, 2004) - Pine Creek First Nation, in partnership with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), today celebrated the official opening of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation School. The Government of Canada expressed its commitment to improving First Nation education, as stated in the October Speech from the Throne, by contributing significantly to the construction of the community's new
$11 million school.

"It is with great pride in my community and our citizens that we open the doors on this modern facility," said Pine Creek First Nation Chief Clifford McKay. "Our youth now have the tools needed to help them grab hold of the opportunities of the global economy and to achieve their dreams. It is a meaningful investment in strengthening our community that will reap benefits for years to come."

"I congratulate Pine Creek First Nation - its leaders, citizens and particularly the students - on this exciting accomplishment," said The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Education is one of the most effective means to improving quality of life. This cutting-edge facility is a concrete example of how the Government of Canada is acting upon our Speech from the Throne commitment to enhance First Nations education."

INAC has committed $10.7 million towards the 1,750 square metre community school. Pine Creek First Nation contributed $197,200 to the school project.

The Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation School can accommodate 418 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, but also has been designed to allow for anticipated increases in student population.

The new school has: two Kindergarten classrooms; 14 regular classrooms; a multi-purpose room; a library/resource room; a home economics room; an industrial arts room; a science room; a computer/business room; a health room; administration and staff rooms; educational storage; and a gymnasium and gymnasium support.

Pine Creek First Nation will experience significant socio-economic benefits as a result of the project. During the design and construction phases, the project generated an estimated 40 additional full-time positions in the community. Local labour costs and procurement of local materials during construction was approximately $500,000. Seven local members received apprenticeship training in carpentry, electrical and plumbing, and two community members gained valuable project management experience. Due to the expanded size of the new school, six additional permanent positions will be created to conduct facility operation and maintenance.

Pine Creek First Nation is comprised of two reserves near the community of Camperville, Manitoba. The community is accessible by Highway No. 20 and Provincial Road No. 262. Currently, there are approximately 1,150 members resident on-reserve.

For further information, contact:

Chief Clifford McKay
Pine Creek First Nation
(204) 524-2478

Gilbert Savard
Director, Regional Secretariat
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Manitoba Region
(204) 983-6195

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