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THE INNU COMMUNITY OF UASHAT MAK MANI-UTENAM CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THE NEW JOHNNY PILOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE END OF THE EXPANSION AND RENOVATION WORKS OF THE TSHISHTESHINU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

UASHAT, QUEBEC (June 23, 2001) – The Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Mr. Rosario Pinette, Chief of the Innu Community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, today attended the official opening of the Johnny Pilot Elementary School, located in Uashat, and the expansion and renovation of the Tshishteshinu Elementary School, located in Mani-Utenam.

"We are delighted that Minister Nault is here with us on this day to celebrate the opening of our new school. This is a clear indication of his commitment to participate in the building of our Nations and in the social, educational and economic development of our greatest treasure, our youth," declared Chief Rosario Pinette.

"In enabling the young people of this community to benefit from a quality education, this project represents an important step in the improvement of their lives," stated Minister Nault. "This is a tremendous example of the Government of Canada's commitment to the goals of Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, and the Speech from the Throne, to supporting stronger communities, people and economies and promoting self-sufficiency."

This project meets urgent educational needs and population increase in the community. The work was initiated in June 2000 and ended in January 2001. Before completion of this project, some Uashat students had to attend classes in a church basement or private residences.

Costs related to the project total $7.3 million. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) provided $4.6 million in funding and the band council contributed $2.7 million. The funding provided by INAC has been granted according to Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan. The project had positive economic effects in the community, namely because community members were a significant part of the labour force.

The new Johnny Pilot Elementary School occupies 2,650 square metres and the expansion of Tshishteshinu Elementary School represents and increase in size from 2,219 square metres to 3,040 square metres. In Mani-Utenam, students will now have access to a library and facilities that fully meet their needs.

The Uashat mak Mani-Utenam community has approximately 3,500 members living in two reserves: Uashat, located at the western limit of Sept-Îles, and Mani-Utenam, located 16 km east of Sept-Îles.

For further information, please contact:

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

Konrad Sioui
Band Council of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam
(418) 964-5233

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