The Mâmawêyatitân Centre in North Central Regina has officially opened its doors.
The 108,000-square-foot centre is the first of its kind in Canada, and will offer integrated services in one central place.
The facility includes the new Scott Collegiate high school, a 33-space child-care centre, city recreational complex, public library branch, community policing centre, and a First Nations Elders’ ceremonial room. The province provided $31 million toward the new high school.
“Our government is pleased to have supported this unique integrated facility that has become a central hub of North Central Regina and provides an array of services and educational opportunities for students, early learners, library users and the entire community,” Saskatchewan Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre said in a news release Tuesday.
“Students attending Scott Collegiate at Mâmawêyatitân Centre will acquire essential knowledge from adults in real-life environments and be engaged in traditional culture, giving students a sense of connection and a clear path to find personal academic success.”
The City of Regina contributed $8.8 million toward the creation of the North Central Community Learning Centre.
“This is a game-changing facility for our city,” Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said.
“Years of hard work have created a significant, adaptable space that will bring the community together, as well as create a space to easily access a multitude of services and programming. This will help create a stronger, healthier, and more engaged community.”
Regina Public Library is also providing $2.4 million toward its new Albert Branch.
Outside the cente, work is continuing on a garden, basketball court and soccer pitch.
Mosaic Co. has provided $100,000 toward building a green space for cultural teaching and storytelling. The outdoor space, called the “Heart of the Site,” is to be completed by spring 2018 and built in a circular pattern with elements guided by Indigenous teachings and practices.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have also partnered with the centre to provide positive role modeling and programming for students and families. The name Mâmawêyatitân is a Cree word for “let’s be all together.”
The integrated facility is located on the former site of Scott Collegiate and the Albert-Scott Community Centre.