Pembina Trails, Province break ground on École Iskonakwa School

Pembina Trails School Division was proud to join the Province of Manitoba in breaking ground for École Iskonakwa School on June 9.

Members of our board of trustees, senior administration team, and Elders advisory council joined government officials to officially kick off construction on the new dual-track French and English K-8 school located at 175 Skyline Drive. The school will have capacity for 800 students and will serve families in Prairie Pointe and surrounding neighbourhoods in Waverley West. 

“École Iskonakwa School reflects our belief that every student deserves a space that inspires learning and innovation, fosters creativity, and supports their well-being,” stated Shelley Amos, Superintendent and CEO, Pembina Trails School Division. “This school will be a place where reconciliation thrives, where inclusion is celebrated, and where every student feels that they belong. This school has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders. Many hands have helped bring this vision to life, and we are deeply grateful for that support."

Iskonakwa (Is-ko-nah-kwah) is the Ininîmowin (Cree) word meaning “as far as the eye can see”. It is rooted in the teaching of the Seven Generations and reminds us to honour the past and the future, while representing living in good relationship with the land, where hope, possibility, and connection extend as far as the eye can see. 

“This is a day of great celebration for Pembina Trails School Division,” noted Cindy Nachtigall, Chair, Pembina Trails School Division Board of Trustees. “The hope and possibility for students in Waverley West attending their neighborhood school is coming to fruition. We are so proud of the advocacy, planning, collaboration, and partnership that has made this dream a reality. We are filled with gratitude and excitement for what this will mean for our families in the division.”

École Iskonakwa School is set to welcome students in fall 2027. 

Get all the details by reading more on the Province of Manitoba website, or watching the full press conference.