President and CEO of the First Nations Bank of Canada, Keith Martell announced today that the bank is donating $100,000 to the new St. Frances Cree Bilingual School.

Martell says, “As our bank celebrates it’s 25th anniversary, we wanted to support education that reflects and respects the culture and language of Indigenous People. As a result it attracts and retains Indigenous youth to prepare them for the future. St. Frances Cree Bilingual School is such a place and we are proud to add our support.”

The money will help fund Nehiyawitwawin; A culture, identity and learning partnership & Elders’ Cultural teaching centre (Elder Lodge) at the new St. Frances Cree Bilingual school.

The Elder Lodge allows students and staff to build relationships necessary to pass on the language, teachings and culture to insure their first nations identity isn’t lost.

(Drummers playing at GSCS Pow Wow)

(Elders in traditional head dresses dancing at the grand entry)

The donation announcement was made at the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ (GSCS) Pow Wow which was being held at Thornton Park. The event got started with the beat of the drum which lead to the entrance of Elders, dignitaries and guests into the Pow Wow circle. The rest of the day was filled with traditional first nations dancing that saw bright colorful head dresses. This was the first in person GSCS Pow Wow in two years.

Construction of the new St. Frances Cree Bilingual School is scheduled for construction later this year.