Atikameg School and Whitefish Lake First Nation celebrated as NSD61's Friends of Education Award Nominee
Posted on September 24
Left to right: Reg Bellefontaine, Atikameg School Principal, Barb Laderoute, Gift Lake School Principal, Darren Auger, Whitefish Lake First Nation Councillor and Donna Barrett, Superintendent of Schools
Northland School Division No.61 (NSD61) celebrated the contributions of Atikameg School and Whitefish Lake First Nation by presenting them the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone One ‘Friends of Education Award.
The Award recognizes individuals and organizations in the community who have made a special contribution to education in Alberta. During the 2013-2014 school year, a decision was made to close Gift Lake School due to air quality concerns. After the announcement was made in January, Donna Barrett, Superintendent of Schools says Whitefish First Nation offered to help the Gift Lake Métis Settlement immediately.
“Whitefish Lake First Nation came to the aide of Gift Lake students and staff by providing classroom space at Atikameg School,” said Barrett. “This generous offer meant that the students of Gift Lake were able to continue their education for the remainder of the school year and the interruptions to student learning and loss of instructional time were minimized. We are truly thankful to Atikameg School and Whitefish Lake First Nation for supporting our children.”
Through the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council (KTC) and Northland School Division No.61 (NSD61) Partnership Agreement, Gift Lake School and Atikameg School participate together in professional development activities and extra-curricular activities. Barrett says a difficult situation for Gift Lake has turned into a positive when it comes to partnerships between First Nations schools and provincial schools.
“Whitefish Lake First Nation’s decision to help Gift Lake School has been of benefit for both communities,” said Barrett. “It is significant that these two communities have demonstrated the ability and the willingness to work together. By doing so, they model what is possible for other provincial and First Nations schools.”
Elementary students have since returned to a temporary facility in Gift Lake and junior high students are attending school at Northern Lakes College Grouard Campus. Students and staff will use both facilities until construction is complete for the new Gift Lake Learning Centre.
Atikameg School and Whitefish Lake First Nation were recognized September 24, 2014 at the ASBA Zone One Fall Award Ceremony with nominees from other school divisions in northern Alberta.