Office of the Premier
The possibility of an innovative partnership to improve school and local infrastructure in the Haida Gwaii community of Masset will get a closer look thanks to a $150,000 B.C. government investment announced today by Premier Christy Clark.
“We need to consider every possible option and partnership to benefit students and communities. The study we're announcing today will take a hard look at the possibilities before us, and I hope it will show a path forward together,” said Premier Clark. “B.C. schools are more than brick and mortar classrooms - especially in communities like Masset, where they also serve as social hubs for everyone in the community.”
Premier Clark met with Chief Ken Rea of the Old Massett Village Council and community leaders at Chief Matthews Elementary school in Old Massett today. Together, they announced a community-based partnership that will conduct a feasibility study to weigh whether provincial and federal investment in community schools could serve students and the community.
(flickr.com) The Old Massett Village Council has proposed a $4-million renovation and addition to Chief Matthews Elementary school on the reserve. The feasibility study will:
- Consider options for a new gym or auditorium addition.
- Draft preliminary schedules.
- Assess budget requirements.
- Identify potential funding sources.
(flickr.com) The Village Council has approached both provincial and federal levels of government, requesting $2 million from Ottawa to expand classrooms, and $2 million from the Province of B.C. to add an auditorium or gym, providing a hub for the community to meet and hold events. The Province funds off-reserve schools in Haida Gwaii, while the federal government funds on-reserve schools.
“Old Massett Village Council (OMVC) is ecstatic to host the Premier on this great day for Chief Matthews School,” said Chief Ken Rea. “It demonstrates a meaningful collaboration with the Province of B.C., Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and OMVC to facilitate a healthy learning environment for our children generations to come.”
Chief Matthews Elementary, completed in 1993, serves approximately 40 students from kindergarten to Grade 5 and is the only school on the Old Massett reserve. Two other schools are located in the Village of Masset, two kilometres away.
(flickr.com) Quick Facts:
- The Province invested more than $13 million in the Haida Gwaii School District for the replacement of Port Clements Elementary Queen Charlotte Secondary.
- Since 2001, government committed more than $4.2 billion to school capital projects in B.C., including 112 new and replacement schools, 186 additions, and 150 schools seismically improved.
- In B.C.’s new curriculum, Aboriginal culture and perspectives have been integrated throughout all grade levels and the history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system will be further enhanced.
Learn More:
Old Massett Village Council: http://ow.ly/URJp5
Village of Masset: www.massetbc.com
Haida Gwaii School District 50: http://sd50.bc.ca/
B.C.’s New Curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/
B.C.’s Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
