4 northern Manitoba First Nations getting new schools, 1 other to be renovated

Two weeks ago, Kurt Mason was told that the high school in the northern Manitoba First Nation where he's an education director had electrical issues so severe, he was lucky it hadn't burned down. Now, he's overjoyed that a new school is coming to his community. 

Garden Hill First Nation is one of five First Nations in northern Manitoba that were promised new schools or renovations to existing schools in a federal funding announcement at Red River College Polytechnic's Exchange District campus in Winnipeg on Friday.

"I know it's a long process. It doesn't happen overnight, but for some reason it happened overnight. I'm happy that the government is giving Garden Hill a school," said Mason, the director of education for Garden Hill, a fly-in community about 475 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

Its high school has been closed for the last two weeks due to an electrical issue, he said. Electricians who came in from Winnipeg told Mason the issue could have been devastating. 

The school has also faced challenges associated with mould, overcrowding and a lack of space.

Mason said he couldn't help but think what could have happened if a fire would have broken out during a school day. But those thoughts have now been replaced by optimism for future students.

"They don't have to worry about fires. They don't have to worry about heat. They don't have to worry about mould," he said.

O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation Chief Shirley Ducharme is also excited about a feasibility study and design for a new school in her community.

"This is the first day that I'd say I'm very proud that I have taken the leadership for our nation, because this is a critical time for our First Nation," she said. 

"We need a facility that is safe for our students and our people that educate our children to feel safe in a building."

Despite extensive repairs to fix cracked walls and replace some support columns, the roof of Thunderbird School collapsed over Easter weekend in April 2023.

The weight of heavy, wet snow was blamed for the collapse. Mould was also found in the building, which is nearly 50 years old and made of wood.

"When a structure like that starts to show deterioration, it's time for action," Ducharme said. 

After completing their Grade 10 education, students have to leave O-Pipon-Na-Piwin, which is about 800 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Ducharme says that's not right.

"Our young people are still expected and want to complete their high school, and they have no choice but to leave our community," she said.

Tataskweyak Cree Nation's only school suffered a roof collapse of its own in March 2020, and that community was also promised a design for a new elementary and secondary school Friday.

O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation will get a new school for its kindergarten to Grade 12 students, as well as housing for teachers.

"The best way to address the future is to do something today," said Chief Kerwin Chaboyer.

Norway House Cree Nation will get renovations and building improvements to Helen Betty Osborne Ininew Education Resource Centre and Jack River School. 

All five projects are at various stages of the planning process, which will continue into next year. No specific funding levels were announced.

This year's federal budget announced $545 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, for kindergarten to Grade 12 infrastructure for First Nations students, the federal government said in a news release.

Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, who attended Friday's progress announcement, said every child deserves access to quality education, and the new and updated schools will deliver high-quality and culturally relevant education and services for children.

"When kids can receive their education closer to home, they stay connected to family and community and to culture," she said.