New school is students' road

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Meskanahk Ka-Nipa-Wit means "standing on the road," an excellent name for the new school on the Montana reserve 20 km south of Hobbema.

It is after all, William Meskanahk Ka-Nipa-Wit who donated the land the new school sits on. And, with the opening of the school on March 3, it is a road leading to a new future for some 137 students.

For the school- with all its architectural splendor- its more than a brick, glass and concrete wonder. It is a road leading to expansion of not only the mental and physical horizons of the youth that enter but also the traditional Cree ways.

"We now have the facilities to offer more classes in our traditional ways," said Barbara Currie, director of the education for the band.

"We have a kiln for our ceramics course which will be based on Cree Culture," she explained. "And our music program will include instruction in our traditional drumming and singing." Other new programs include industrial art and a physical education program.

"We have a lot of young people here who are into automotives," said Darrell Strongman, the Montana council member in charge of education. "The industrial arts program will offer them woodworking options, something where they can use their hands."

The need to offer some of these specialized programs was important to the band. When Indian Affairs would not fund some of them, the band came through with the money.

With no funding in place for new teachers for the remainder of 1998-'97 school year, band members will be called upon to fill the voids. Currie said they will be relying on elders to help in teaching ceramics, beading, and musical courses.

As for the '97-'98 school year, it is anticipated that the student population will rise to approximately 175 with a maximum capacity of 231 students. T that time, teacher requirements will be assessed.