Larger space for Outreach program celebrated

In October, the four Hobbema Nations celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Maskwacis Outreach School at Ermineskin Cree Nation. The outreach school was initiated in 2010 at Samson Cree Nation to accommodate students who wanted to return to high school. As enrolment increased, the need for a new facility was required. As a result, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada committed $500,000 in funding to convert an existing building to school use. “Students that come to the outreach school know that education is the greatest gift they can give themselves,” said Kevin Wells, Superintendent, Nipisihkopahk Education Authority. The goal of the Maskwacis Outreach School is to graduate students with a high school diploma. The school uses a student-centred approach that emphasizes individual student needs and encourages lifelong learning. The programs offered by Maskwacis Outreach School are modified to accommodate the individual needs of each student. The school serves students from 15 to 20 years old who are not able to attend a regular daily school program. This four nation joint initiative is being co-administered by Samson Cree Nation and Ermineskin Cree Nation on behalf of the four Hobbema communities: Samson Cree Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Louis Bull First Nation and Montana First Nation.