2-02535

EDUCATION IS A PRIORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE MOHAWK COUNCIL OF KAHNAWÁ:KE

KAHNAWÁ:KE (Quebec), November 12, 2004 - On the occasion of the Kateri School official opening, the Honourable Jacques Saada, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada and Minister responsible for the Francophonie, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Grand Chief Michael Ahríhrhon Delisle Jr. of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke, are happy to announce today the results of their joint efforts in the major renovation and construction of three primary-elementary schools in Kahnawá:ke. These projects in two phases will be successfully completed thanks to the $11.6 million contribution from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the $1.75 million from the Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke and the Kahnawá:ke Combined Schools Committee.

The financial contributions were used to undertake the expansion of the Kateri elementary school to almost double its original size to 6 135 square metres. Also, these contributions have enabled the construction in 2004 of three junior kindergarten level classes within the new Step-by-Step Child and Family Center pre-school, that in addition accommodates children in daycare and pre-school facilities. In addition, the construction of the new Karonhianónhnha School has been initiated; its students enrolled in Mohawk Language Immersion studies will be able to attend this school as of September 2005.

"The Government of Canada has pledged to offer Aboriginal children the same opportunities and the same quality of life as that which is enjoyed by all Canadian children," said Minister Scott. "Education is crucial for the development of strong, self-reliant individuals and communities. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada strongly supports Aboriginal communities that seek to improve educational services and to modernize school structures on reserve," added Minister Saada.

"The expansion of Kateri School gives me a great sense of pride. Through the hard work and dedication of the Education Center, our children will now pursue their education in a new facility," said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhrhon Delisle, Jr.

"Beyond the considerable fiscal investment of the partners, the realization of these new, modern and quite beautiful education facilities is also the culmination of more than six years of arduous labour, dogged perseverance and gritty confidence from many staff members of the Quebec Regional Office of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Kahnawá:ke school community's educators and parents, followed by the exceptional team effort at every level from all the professionals and builders so capably involved in every phase of the construction works. My sincere thanks to them, one and all!", said Mike Diabo, manager of these projects.

The Kahnawá:ke Mohawk community, located on the outskirts of Montreal, is the largest First Nation community in Quebec. Of its 9 000 members, 7 000 reside on the Territory and 2 000 off-reserve.

For additional information, please contact:

Hélène Philippe
Regional Communications Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(418) 648-7675

Joseph Delaronde
Media Relations
Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke
(450) 632-7500

Lorna Delaronde
Media Relations
Education Center
(450) 632-8770

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