Sweetgrass First Nation is breaking ground on their new school today.
The existing school on the First Nation was built in 1976/77 and was recommended for replacement in 2001. Due to a lack of funding only renovations were able to be done, the original wood building has been well maintained but it has become too small and outdated.
Sweetgrass First Nation received approval for funding of the new school in 2022 and continued with community engagement sessions and conversations with architects about spaces needed, the materials, modernizing, and being the facility, the community needs from a holistic perspective.
“Today’s ground-breaking demonstrates our shared commitment to better meet the needs of Sweetgrass students and building more inclusive and vibrant places to live,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “First Nations led education is important in creating prosperous, resilient, and sustainable Indigenous communities. This new school will not only enrich the student experience but will also ensure access to culturally appropriate educational systems, resources, and teachings.”
The new school will be constructed with a concrete foundation and concrete block walls and feature dedicated spaces for Elders and traditional knowledge teachings, outdoor learning spaces, a gym with running track, dental office, spaces for visiting professionals, and a warm interior feeling from wood ceilings.
“This will provide Sweetgrass First Nation students with quality education that will offer culturally relevant education and teachings. Every person deserves a fair chance to succeed, and key to that is an education like the one that will be offered at this new school,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.
The school is primarily funded by Indigenous Services Canada and the First Nation also received additional funding of $5,512,876 from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The additional funding has enabled the integration of a daycare, a Head Start into the facility, and the increased use of energy efficient technology at the school.
The procurement process included a pre-qualification process to select contractors who were a good fit for the community. The construction contract value is $39,497,000.