Displaced First Nation to use unoccupied school

Students who were displaced from their homes on the Lake St. Martin First Nation will be going to school this fall in Winnipeg, thanks to a deal signed between the band and the federal and provincial governments.

About 600 people were evacuated from the First Nation's reserve, located about 280 kilometres north of Winnipeg, because of severe flooding in May.

Provincial officials have said the flooded reserve is beyond reclamation.

With many of the evacuees staying in Winnipeg, First Nation officials have signed an agreement with the provincial and federal governments to use a mothballed school at 1970 Ness Ave., in the city's St. James area.

"It is a relief that we're starting to make progress with our education," Chief Adrian Sinclair told CBC News on Thursday.

Sinclair said it will take at least a week to prepare and stock classrooms for about 150 children.

The agreement comes after weeks of talks between the Lake St. Martin First Nation and federal and provincial government officials.

Sinclair said everyone is happy with the choice.

"The federal department is on board on this, they were there at the site scene today," he said. "I was there with the province and the federal department."

Sinclair said he does not know how long the school will be needed, but it could be until December.

The Lake St. Martin First Nation has been in talks towards finding a new home for the reserve.