The former school at Waterhen Lake First Nation is pictured before it was destroyed by fire in May 2024. A new temporary school officially opened in the community on Oct. 22, 2026, while plans for a permanent replacement move forward. (Image Credit: Waterhen Lake First Nation)

By meadowlakeNOW staff

'our work is not finished'

Waterhen Lake First Nation opens new temporary school after 2024 fire

Oct 23, 2026 | 5:55 AM

Waterhen Lake First Nation has opened a temporary school for about 237 students, more than two years after a fire destroyed the community’s previous school.

Chief Blaine Fiddler, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, students and Elders were among those who celebrated the opening Oct. 22.

Indigenous Services Canada provided $15 million for the project, covering site preparation, utility connections, 17 ready-to-move units, fencing and deck construction.

The facility will serve students from kindergarten to Grade 12, with space for classrooms, the Head Start program and daycare.

“This facility may be temporary, but our commitment to education is permanent,” Fiddler said in a news release.

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The community’s school was destroyed by fire in May 2024. Planning and schematic design are now underway for a permanent replacement, but the announcement did not include a construction timeline or opening date.

Gull-Masty said the temporary school allows students to continue learning close to their families, culture and community.

“This is an important milestone, but our work is not finished,” she said. “We will continue working with Waterhen Lake First Nation towards a permanent replacement.”

The First Nation worked with Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Indigenous Services Canada to establish the temporary school, which will be used until the permanent replacement is built.

Waterhen Lake First Nation is about 39 kilometres north of Meadow Lake and is a member of the tribal council.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by meadowlakeNOW staff

Waterhen Lake First Nation opens new temporary school after 2024 fire

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