Funding announced for new school on Piikani Nation [Video]

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. –

More than 600 students on the Piikani Nation will soon have a new space to learn after the federal government announced funding Thursday morning.

“When we can have a capital project of this magnitude it’s going to effect not only children that are school-aged and will be attending the school when it’s open, but for generations to come,” said Chief Troy Knowlton.

The kindergarten-to-Grade-12 school will accommodate students living on the nation and will be built on the track of the current high school.

Along with traditional design elements such as a teepee and murals, the Blackfoot culture will be included in the curriculum being taught.

“Utilizing our culture and our spirituality that are unique to the Piikani, the Siksikaitsitap and to have our elders be an integral part of education, our identity and who we are as Piikani,” said Knowlton.

The nation currently has one elementary school and one …