PIC RIVER FIRST NATION– To bring modern education to students ages four to 15, the construction of the new facility will relieve overcrowding issues at the existing school and eliminate the need for portable classrooms.
“The people of Biigtigong are happy to see the start of construction of their new school,” said Duncan Michano, Chief Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. “We would like to thank the Federal Government for their assistance and to Minister Hajdu for her advocacy on this important project. The new school will allow our students and staff to learn and work in an environment that is culturally appropriate and is something that they can be proud of. I also want to thank the planning team for all their hard work to make this happen.”
In partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation, the government of Canada has also contributed an investment of $25.8 million to support the construction of the Biigtigong facility and is keeping a close partnership with Biigtigong leadership to ensure the project is successful.
However, most of the groundwork has been done by the Biigtigong community in contributing labour, equipment and materials to ensure maximum economic opportunity for the community.
“Congratulations to Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation for breaking ground on a new kindergarten to Grade 8 elementary school, said MP Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services. “Your decades of commitment to the success of your children has inspired us all, and your new school will help generations of young people access good education and set them up for a bright future. I look forward to hearing about the amazing successes of your young people for generations to come.”
The current Biigtigong School was constructed in the 1950s and was a much-needed upgraded.
The new building is sized to accommodate 175 students, and each of those students will have 2,780 square meters of space to learn and play.
“We are so pleased to congratulate Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation on the ground breaking of their new elementary school. Education is the cornerstone of our society and this new building will provide a bright space where young Indigenous students can feel inspired to grow and achieve their full potential. We support this work proudly and will continue to provide our services throughout the remainder of the project,” said Melanie Debassige, Ontario First Nations Technical Service Corporation
This modern teaching facility will focus on cultural heritage and an emphasis on Indigenous pathways of education for Biigtigong youth to begin the pursuit of their future goals.
“This is a milestone day for the community of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg. The groundwork is being laid where this generation and future generations can build a bright future; one centered around their own culture as Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation people. Our children bring out the best in us – what an incredible gift this community is making to their children here, today. Congratulations to each and every member of this Community and to Chief and Council for your relentless vision in pursuing this project. We are excited to be part of the team bringing this vision to reality, said” Joe Cospito, project manager, Keewatin-Aski Ltd.
The new school includes extensive site development including a bus dropoff loop, softball field, asphalt basketball court, playground, walking trails, outdoor classrooms and a storage garage. The school will also include a below-ground water reservoir and fire pump system for sprinkler protection.
In addition, elementary school grounds have plenty of green space to accommodate the sports and outdoor education programs.
Biigtigong is located on the north shore of Lake Superior, along Pic River, approximately 300 kilometres east of Thunder Bay. The new school will be located west of the daycare, across the street from the new Health Centre.
Construction of the new school is expected to be completed by fall 2023
