$42 million announced for construction of new school in KI First Nation

Tim Brody - Editor

Federal funding from Indigenous Services Canada announced on August 12 will be used to build a new school in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation.
Kenora MP Bob Nault was joined by KI Chief Donny Morris and residents of KI for the announcement.
“I’m very pleased to see that the Government of Canada committed over $42 million to build a new school in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation, which will provide students in the community with an education up to Grade 12,” stated Nault. “This investment represents a historic turning point for the community as students will now be in a much better position to prepare themselves as they move on to further their studies at a college or university.”
“Education facilities are vital to meeting the current and future education needs of our future generations. The construction of the new school has been a priority for Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation. We must recognize everyone who played a part in this capital project and acknowledge that the future of our community is in the hands of our youth,” Morris commented in a Government of Canada news release.   
The current school in the community goes up to grade 10.
Construction of the new school is expected to begin in spring of 2020.
The new school is expected to be completed in the fall of 2021 and will offer classes from kindergarten to grade 12. The new school will accommodate approximately 392 students.
“Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of where they live. First Nations children in the Kenora riding, and across Canada, are no exception,” added Nault. “Children should be able to complete their education at home, in their own community and once the new school is completed, educators will be able to meet the community’s unique needs and provide culturally appropriate programming and language supports.”
“I want to congratulate the students of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation on the construction of their new school. Education is at the heart of a community's success and a new school means more students will have room to learn and grow,” shared Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus O'Regan.
A news release issued by Nault went on to state, “Recently, the community also celebrated the official opening of its new health centre, which received a federal government investment of $18.5 million in the project. The Saggius Sainnawap Memorial Health Centre supports a range of services and programs related to public health and dental care, including children’s oral health. Office space was included in the project to improve delivery of mental health initiatives.
“These recent investments are great news for the community of KI First Nation,” concluded Nault. “It’s clear that this government understands the importance of moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation. While there is still much ground to cover on this journey, we know we must continue building a relationship based on trust with Indigenous peoples.”