New look brings great excitement

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The old St. Paul Residential School, which once held unhappy, destructive memories for some Blood people, has been reborn with a new image and a positive attitude. For many years a place where Blood tribe children were pressured to give up their language and culture, the building is now the focal point of a story about self-esteem, cultural affirmation and continuing education. A multimillion dollar transformation has turned the old school into residential apartments for students at nearby Red Crow Community College.

The idea for the project grew out of a severe housing shortage on the reserve, especially for disadvantaged young people. Many of the college's students, particularly married students with children, have been living in overcrowded quarters with parents or other relatives. Opportunities for quiet study were severely limited, making a difficult road to advanced educational achievements even harder.

"I'm really looking forward to school and to my new apartment," said Melanie Three Persons, who plans to start a college preparatory program at Red Crow in September. One of the first students to move into the facility on May 1, Three Persons said she has lived on her own once before, but her old trailer was nothing like the modern, one-bedroom unit she'll call her own for the next few months.

Like the other students who will soon move into the residence, Three Persons now has a bright, tastefully decorated apartment, with access to laundry facilities, a computer work room, and a shuttle bus to take her form the residence to school, several miles away. For entertainment, she'll be able to plug her television into a cable system, (for a small extra charge) and she'll have access to a large multi-purpose room, with a stage, and a common meeting room. Wiring is in place for private phone lines.

If she had children, they'd be well looked after in the facility's daycare or Blackfoot Immersion Head Start class. For her safety and comfort, the facility has state-of-the-art security and fire alarm systems. All 39 units have ample closet and storage space, and color-coordinate, earth-toned paint, linoleum and carpeting. Kitchen appliances are included in every apartment and some apartments will be furnished. A deep well, about six km form the residence, and a new treatment facility, will supply the water for the residence, as well as for several nearby homes and buildings.

Four of the apartments are fully handicapped-designed, with grab rails, lower wall switches and easy access.