Ottawa plans school feasibility study for Curve Lake First Nation

The federal government is funding a school feasibility study for Curve Lake First Nation.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says Ottawa will provide $142,000 to explore possible expansion of Curve Lake First Nation School. She made the announcement Friday morning at the Curve Lake Cenotaph. Curve Lake is 35 kilometres north of Peterborough, Ont.

“Children thrive when they have pride in their school and their education promotes a secure, personal and cultural identity,” said Bennett. “We are honoured to be working with Curve Lake First Nation to ensure vibrant futures and the academic success of their youth.”

Right now, Curve Lake’s school serves junior kindergarten to Grade 3. Older students are bused to Lakefield, about 20 kilometres away.

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A potential expansion would enable Curve Lake to serve students up to Grade 6.

Curve Lake Chief Phyllis Williams says the community wants to ensure its children are learning about their culture, heritage and language.

“And the idea to bring our children home to Grade 6, gives us that control. Where it’s not in the control of the Ontario government,” she said.

But Williams says it’s not an easy fix.

Curve Lake First Nation School is in need of an upgrade, and Williams says the building can’t handle an influx of students.  Any expansion would involve an addition and renovations to the school.

“We need the facilities, and the know-how, and the structure,” Williams said.

Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, was on hand for Friday’s announcement. She says she’s heard Curve Lake’s concerns when it comes to the education of its youngest residents.

“The dollars announced are a step toward ensuring the youth of Curve Lake stay here in Curve Lake and are reminded of all they have to offer,” Monsef said.

The feasibility study is set to be complete July 2018.