Thursday was a big day for the residents of the Ebb & Flow First Nation.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially open their newly constructed elementary school.
Ebb & Flow First Nation Director of Education Darcy Malcolm says there is a definite need in the community for this facility.
"The existing school, which is now going to be renovated, first opened up in 1983 to accomodate approximately 250 students. And now today, we are sitting at approximately 800 students."
The elementary school is phase one of a 55 million dollar project, which includes renovations to the existing school - which is now used by grade 7-12 students, as well as the construction of 22 homes for teachers.
Malcolm says one feature he is particularly proud of with the new school is a marked improvement in internet access.
"And this is something that I feel is going to be a long-term benefit for our community's children. We have struggled in the past with internet connectivity. But now with 1 GB of dedicated internet fibre-optic service, that improvement itself allows our students to be able to access resources online."
Recreation was also a key component of the project, with a gymnasium, a combined soccer and football field, a track, and two baseball diamonds also included.
Malcolm says there is a lot of excitement in the community over the new school.
"All of the students were part of the celebration. We have approximately 800 kids - around 420 in the grade 7-12 program, and around 380 n the K-6 program, who are now in the new school. And we had all of these children gather during the ceremony, and you could hear all of the cheers and claps during the ceremony and everybody was so excited. There is a lot of excitement in the air."
He added this project has been a total team effort
