A grand opening of a new landmark in Regina’s North Central was celebrated earlier this week. Elders, students, teachers, members of the North Central community and representatives from Regina Public Schools, City of Regina, Regina Public Library gathered on September 12th for the grand opening of mâmawêyatitân centre. The centre’s name is a Cree word meaning ‘let’s be all together’ and is a $42.2 million-dollar operation with 108,000 square feet, which is the first of its kind in Canada.

The new Mâmawêyatitân Centre in North Central replaces the old Scott Collegiate school. The North Central community, elders, students, staff, and representatives from the provincial government, Regina Public Schools, City of Regina and Regina Public Library gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the new facility that is not only a high school but a 33-space child care centre, city recreational complex, public library branch, community policing centre, and a First Nations Elders’ ceremonial room

Saskatchewan Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre attended the event and spoke on behalf of the provincial government and said the government contributed $31-million towards the new centre.

“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,” Eyre said. “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 newly opened centre will be offering integrated services in one central place to build and enhance the community. The facility includes a new 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 opening of the new Scott Collegiate at mâmawêyatitân centre celebrates the fulfilment of a journey of collaboration more than a decade in the making,” Regina Board of Education Chair Katherine Gagne said. “Many organizations and individuals have worked to make this opening possible; the students and Scott Collegiate community in north central Regina will benefit for many decades to come.”

Mâmawêyatitân Centre replaced the old Scott Collegiate school which was demolished in July. Scott Collegiate opened its doors in 1924 and was named after the first premier of Saskatchewan, Sir Walter Scott.