Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Statement delivered in aboriginal language and then in English.]
Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the community of Tulita celebrated the grand opening of the new Chief Albert Wright School.
The new school is larger and includes a gym, a community library, computer areas, wireless networking, a large science room and a great view of Bear Rock.
Thanks are due to the District Education Authority, the Sahtu Divisional Education Council, Pin-Taylor Architects, Dowland Construction, the school staff and the community for the hard work that has been put into this new facility. Special thanks are also due to the Tulita Yamoria Community Secretariat, which came together to fund the gym, a beautiful facility for both the school and the community. This group is made up of the Tulita Band, the Métis Financial Corporation, the Tulita Financial Corporation, the Hamlet of Tulita, and the Shihtaotin Land Claim Group. This is yet another example of northern governments and agencies working together to maximize facilities for our people.
The new school was completed in April, and students were able to move into their new facility on April 24, 2008. I know the students and everyone involved were excited and pleased to have a new school in their community. Last year the old school was damaged by fire, which meant the District Education Authority, the school staff, the students and the community had to make many adjustments to carry out programming in various facilities.
I would like to particularly recognize principal Wayne Dawe, school staff and superintendent Seamus Quigg for their efforts to make sure studies were minimally disrupted during this situation.
Thanks to all of the GNWT’s partners it is now possible for Tulita’s 153 students to begin the coming school year in a wonderful facility that will help them to reach their full potential. I look forward to seeing the new school at my earliest opportunity.
Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.
