The future of the Piikani Nation is looking bright with a new school on the horizon.
For the past 60 years, education on the Piikani Nation has been conducted in Brocket, but it no longer suits the needs of the growing population.
On Oct. 17, the Peagan Board of Education and Indigenous Services Canada meet in Calgary to announce the plans for a new K-12 school in Piikani to replace the current school building which was build back in 1959.
The concept of a new school was first conserved back in 2016 by various community members, the board of education, and Chief and Council.
“We’ve jumped through all the hoops, but they where necessary hoops.” Said Piikani Chief Troy Knowlton at a press conference announcing the new school.
“This school will also create great learning opportunities for all my peoples and will create great learning opportunities for our students in a modern facility.”
The school’s design is by The Workun Garrick Partnership Architectur and Interior Design Inc.
The facility will feature a Tipi which will be able to change the colour of its lights and will be the centre of cultural teachings.
In the video of the space a Blackfoot winter count is featured in the middle of the room which shows the history of the Piikani Nation.
Another element on the outside will be various outdoor recreation activities for various age groups.
“They will have mental health workers in there, recreation, and meals. Those are the three needs of our children, emotional, spiritual, and physical will all be looked after.” Said Chair of the Peagan Board of Education Beatrice Little Moustache when asked about the benefits the new building will bring.
The new school will cost approximately $50 million dollars and will be breaking ground in the coming months with the support of Indigenous Services Canada.
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