THUNDER BAY – After a tragic fire that claimed Eabametoong First Nation’s only school, today Minister Patty Hajdu announced a $3 million commitment to help the community.
Hajdu said Indigenous Services Canada will fulfill its commitments to the First Nations by supporting additional resources and mental health services to the staff and students of the school.
"We are wholeheartedly with Eabametoong First Nation as the community rebuilds from this tragic loss. Last week, I spoke with Chief Atlookan and committed to helping students continue learning in the immediate term, as we wait for the new school to be completed.
"I am ready to announce today that the federal government will invest over $3 million in the community to fulfill that commitment," Hajdu said.
In 2019, Eabametoong First Nation began the process of designing a new school building with funding from ISC, but the process had not gotten past the initial stages.
Last week, Hajdu said ISC would work with the Eabametoong chief and council, stating that the process of getting the school rebuilt would be “a long road ahead.”
Hajdu said the funding will support “educational resources, additional teachers, and essential mental-health services for the students.
“Through this support, we are confirming to the people of Eabametoong that we are there to support education in their community. I have also been very clear that we will be at the community’s side as they work to build a new school,” Hajdu said.
