By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Red Crow College Ready to Re-Build at a New Location

Jun 27, 2016 | 2:48 PM

BLOOD RESERVE – It was just under a year ago that a fire devastated Red Crow Community College, but officials say they’re ready to move forward, announcing the new building location Monday morning.

The cause of the fire last August is still under investigation. It resulted in over $10-million in losses, completely destroying all electronics, books, artifacts and other items within the building.

For the time being, over 200 students share ten classrooms at the Stand Off Old Saipoyi School to continue their programs. The new campus is slated to be re-built across the street from the old location, in the community of St. Mary’s on the Blood Indian Reserve.

“With a fire, it’s not positive. So, with a new building, everything becomes renewed,” explained Lionel Weasel Head, College Board Chair. “There won’t be those mixed emotions of the former Residential School here. I think it’ll be a new start for the college and for our community.”

Officials also stated that due to cultural beliefs, the building can’t be on the same spot where the old campus was burnt down. There are no official architectural designs for the new Red Crow College as of yet.

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Billy Wadsworth, Board of Governors Member, says funding is the next challenge in the re-build process. He noted that the insurance process for this situation is going to be lengthy, and the college can only receive funding for programming.

Wadsworth now hopes that after official fire and insurance reports are released, the provincial and federal governments will offer support to assist with the new building.

The Mikai’sto Foundation, which manages funds for the college, has also setup a public fundraising page at www.gofundme.com/RedCrow. Donations can be dropped off in person, as well, at the campuses in Lethbridge and Stand Off.

While there’s no certain timeline in place, the Board of Governors hopes construction can begin within the next year.