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Premier Gary Doer and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin today congratulated the Norway House Cree Nation on the official opening of the community's new school.

The Manitoba government contributed $5.8 million toward construction costs of the $43 million facility designed with three wings, skylights and an open circular courtyard. The school is named the Helen Betty Osborne Ininew Education Resource Centre.

"I want to congratulate the Norway House Cree Nation on the opening of the Helen Betty Osborne centre," said Doer. "The unique design of the school and its innovative facilities will enable generations of youth in the community to prepare to thrive in today's fast-changing environment. The school will also serve as a hub for the entire community."

The school has two gyms, two libraries, music and art rooms, home economics, cosmetology, information technology and computer labs, and two resource rooms. Among other unique features, the facility includes rooms for special needs children who need physiotherapy and other services, a health office and a dental clinic.

"This large, modern school features the most current technology and equipment and will provide an exceptional learning environment for almost 1,300 students and approximately 150 staff," Lathlin said. "The design ensures students from nursery school age to Senior 4 can be accommodated in comfortable and appropriate surroundings."

The Helen Betty Osborne Ininew Education Resource Centre is one of the largest in Manitoba and will serve students who formerly attended Rossville School, Norway House High School and Jack River School.

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