Three First Nations communities in Saskatchewan’s far north have decided to band together for educational purposes.
Black Lake, Fond du Lac and Hatchet Lake First Nations have formed the Athabasca Denesuline Education Authority as a means of better lobbying Ottawa for much needed dollars.
ADEA Director Gerry Guillet says each of the three communities is both remote and small, so it just makes sense to work together to improve educational services.
“It was decided amongst the communities that the best thing for them would be to improve the educational outcomes and opportunities for their children was to form an authority that would give them a stronger voice,” he said.
The agreement covers the Father Porte Memorial School in Black Lake, Father Gamache Memorial School in Fond du Lac and Father Megret elementary and high schools in Hatchet Lake.
Guillet said the basic infrastructure of the schools is currently adequate but the communities are in dire need of funding for extracurricular programming and elective course offerings.
“So, we have to really improve program offerings, options for the kids. They don’t have the opportunity to have extra-curricular teams or drama clubs, or anything, it’s the huge cost.”
Guillet added as each of the communities continue to grow, the need for enhanced educational services will only increase.
He said once a new Indigenous services minister is appointed in Ottawa, the plan is to meet with the federal government as soon as possible.
The education agreement covers about 1,100 students.
The official opening of the ADEA office in Prince Albert took place on Wednesday.
(PHOTO: Courtesy Simon Bird Facebook page.)