Grand opening for Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation's Employment and Training Centre. (Submitted Photo/Cherish Francis)

By Jaryn Vecchio

New Facility

Ahtahkakoop opens employment and training centre in Shell Lake

Oct 6, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The Town of Shell Lake’s former high school is now being used by the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

The First Nation recently purchased the building so they could turn it into an employment and training centre. They celebrated an official grand opening of the new facility on Friday.

It’s intended to help people finish their high school education, pursue post-secondary education, and get training in new fields.

“A lot of them need (help) with life skills; how to budget and how to live in the city even,” said Larry Ahenakew, Chief of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

This wasn’t a spontaneous decision by the First Nation. Ahenakew explained they had tried to build a centre in their own community; however, they just didn’t have the space.

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“We’re always looking for space back home and we looked at (Shell Lake) for two, three months and we finally decided to come and buy it,” he said.

Because it’s off-reserve, the First Nation is hoping the provincial government can provide funding to help them operate it each year.

Meanwhile, the 14,000-square-foot centre has several classrooms, office space, and a gym.

“We have a gym here now that our youth can use, so more (opportunities) for more physical activity for our youth,” Ahenakew added.

The gym at Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation’s Employment and Training Centre. (Submitted Photo/Cherish Francis)

Right now, around 15 people are currently being taught at the facility. Ahenakew noted roughly 40 people have registered, they just don’t have the space and staff to help everyone at once.

He added non-members of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation can also register as they’re hoping the facility can help a lot of people in the surrounding area.

-with files from Susan McNeil

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow