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 But those thoughts have now been replaced by optimism for future students.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.