THUNDER BAY – John Duncan, the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, has announced that the government is investing to help the Pikangikum First Nation address mould issues as well as the purchase of new residences. “Our Government and the First Nation leadership worked together to quickly prioritize the needs of students and teachers and ensure students return to school,” said Minister Duncan. “Working together, our shared goal is to ensure the health and safety of the teachers and minimal disruption to the school year.”
“Our Government is working with First Nations to deliver concrete and tangible solutions,” added Greg Rickford, MP for Kenora and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. “Today’s announcement means that by working collaboratively we have found a solution that is in the best interest of the community and ensures that all students are now back in school.”
School resumed on January 9, 2012, for some elementary classes whose teachers remained in the community, but no secondary classes. All students were back in school on Friday, January 27, 2012. Instruction time lost as a result will be added to the end of the school year in June 2012.