Splatsin marked a significant milestone with a ceremonial ground-breaking of their new Shihiya School onsite at Jackpine Road, near Enderby.
Over 100 attendees, including students, community members and leaders, gathered to support and celebrate the beginning stages of construction of the modern school. Dignitaries and guests stood holding ceremonial golden shovels and turned the first soil, marking a meaningful transition from a vision into reality.
Shihiya School currently serves around 60 elementary students, and due to space limitations, has had to turn away student enrollment applicants in recent years.
The Splatsin Band said the new school will address overcrowding and create space for future growth. Once complete, the facility will provide a modern, purpose-built learning environment rooted in Splatsin language, values and culture.
“As we break this ground, let us remember that we are planting seeds — not just for a building, but for hope, opportunity, and reconciliation,” Splatsin Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian said. “This school will give our children a place to learn the skills they need to thrive in today’s world while staying connected to who they are and where they come from.”
The construction of the Shihiya School will start in March 2026, and is expected to be complete and ready to welcome students by June 2027.
