National Chief Shawn Atleo Visits Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake First Nation had a special visitor last week – AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo spent a few hours in the community to celebrate the re-opening of the Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School in September.

Atleo visited the elementary and high school, meeting with students, teachers and leadership on November 26. Chief Bart Meekis said Atleo was impressed with both schools and indicated that the local control of education in Sandy Lake provides a good example for other First Nation communities in the wake of the federal governments proposed First Nation Education Act.

“He gave us an A+”, said Chief Meekis, in terms of involvement, graduation and student enrolment.

“He had a good time, even more than the kids I think”, Chief Meekis said of Atleo who joined the children of Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School in their classroom activities and in an assembly held in his honor.

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno and Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit also accompanied Atleo on the community visit.



Thank you to the Assembly of First Nations for sharing their photos.