The 59th Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (SNGREC) announced support for the construction of a new community school – Kawenní:io/Gawení:yo Elementary and Secondary School (KG). KG, a full immersion school opened its doors in 1985 and provides instruction in Kanyen’kéha and Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫˀ languages. KG has operated out of a community athletic arena for the last 15 years.
To realize the construction of a new school for our children, youth, and families that are actively working to ensure the continuance of two of our Ogwehoweh languages, SNGREC is moving forward with construction of the school. On May 26, 2025, SNGREC accepted the tender from Lanca Contracting to build the school over the next two years.
Prior to this meeting, SNGREC approved to use community funds to an upset limit of twenty-seven million dollars ($27M) for construction and site services (water and sewer). KL Martin and Associates will provide contract administration services and construction oversight. A building committee will be struck to support decision making throughout the construction period.
“I am very grateful to the Board of Directors of Kawenní:io/Gawení:yo for working with the 59th Elected Council and to the 59th Elected Council for coming together to get this new community school built. Nia:wen to all the current and past supporters of Kawenní:io/Gawení:yo School for your perseverance and commitment to our languages and to our children” said Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill.
Ruby Jacobs, Chair of the KG Board of Directors added, “I am beyond thrilled. Words cannot describe what this means for our community. This truly is a dream come true. Our children can finally enjoy a full school environment to pursue a culturally appropriate education in their first language. My sincerest thanks to the Founders of Kawenní:io/Gawení:yo for your vision, leadership, patience, and inspiration. Nya:weh to all the families, faculty, staff, and supporters for their commitment over the years, leading to where we are today. We look forward to opening day!”
Background
Since January 2024 SNGREC has worked with, and alongside, the Board of Directors of Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo to position the school to receive federal funding for construction of a new school and for operation and maintenance dollars for the life of the school.
SNGREC advised Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) in an April 2025 meeting that construction of the KG is a priority. ISC advised SNGREC that their budget had sunset in March 2025 and that nothing can be done until they have a new budget.
Due to the dissolution of the 44th Parliament of Canada on January 6, 2025, and the subsequent April 28, 2025, federal election, a federal budget for this fiscal year (and beyond) has not yet been approved and is unlikely to be approved until fall 2025.
SNGREC will continue to pursue funding from Indigenous Services Canada to make them accountable to uphold their fiduciary duty to provide for the education of our children and youth, and to fully fund construction of Kawenni:io/Gaweni:yo Elementary and Secondary School.
