tawâw – welcome!

After a decade of planning, Greater Saskatoon Catholic School’s Cree bilingual program moved into a new school facility this fall. On September 2, 2025, students walked through the doors of awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School for the first time.

Pronounced a-wah-sih-suk gha-knee-meet-oh-chik, the name means “children who dance”, and the patron and namesake is St. Francis of Assisi. Read more about the name.

Located at 2010 7th Street East (the former location of St. Charles School, then Sion Middle School), the new school brings together students in pre-kindergarten to Grade 9 who previously learned in two different locations (McPherson Avenue and Bateman Crescent) to accommodate growth of the Cree language and cultural program.

The exterior of the building features Cree syllabics to encourage language learning and to serve as a form of outreach to, and teaching for, the broader community. Prefabricated modular panels give the “curved” look of the building that is meant to represent the dancing movement of the northern lights.

Extensive consultation with Elders, knowledge keepers, students, families and staff means all aspects of the school are culturally aware. Classroom signs in English and Cree, colour schemes on each of the three floors that represent different natural elements (1st floor: Rock; 2nd floor: Earth; 3rd floor: Human), a bulkhead installation that that depicts the constellations of the night sky during the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876 at Fort Pitt, and artwork throughout the building—including a portrait of the school’s namesake St. Francis of Assisi—demonstrate commitment to treaty education, reclamation of Cree language and culture, and the Catholic faith.

An official opening is planned for October 3. Open houses for the public to see the school and learn more will be planned for the future. 

A brief overview of Cree language and cultural education at Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools:

• 2007: language and cultural program begins at St. Frances School on McPherson Avenue
  • Adding one grade per year, the program grew from 40 to over 600 students from over 50 Saskatoon neighbourhoods in 12 years.
• 2016-17: A replacement school became the top priority for the division’s capital plan.
• 2017: The Cree language program received the SSBA’s Premier’s Board of Education Award for ni ahkwatonâmonân: An Indigenous Language Pathway to Improved Student Learning Outcomes at St. Frances Cree Bilingual School.
• 2018: The Bateman Crescent location (former St. Patrick School) was added to host grades 6 – 8 because there was no more space to expand at the McPherson Ave. location.
• 2019: Grade 9 was added at the Bateman Cres. location.
• March 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced planning and design funding for a replacement school.
• Fall 2021: The former Sion Middle School is demolished to prepare for the new school.
• Spring 2022: Design and planning—guided by Elders and informed by students, parents, family members and staff—began.
• June 2023: A construction ceremony and blessing of the land event kicked-off construction.
• December 2024: The new name—awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School—was announced. (https://www.gscs.ca/fra/_ci/p/21605)
• September 2, 2025: The new school welcomes students!

Select features of awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School:

• All aspects of the school are culturally-aware through consultation with Elders and knowledge keepers. There was extensive involvement of students, families and staff.
• The modular panel “curved” design is inspired by the northern lights. A “boxy brick” structure was purposefully avoided because it could provoke possible trauma related to residential schools. 
• Cree syllabics on the exterior encourage language learning and are a form of outreach to, and teaching for, the broader community.
• The welcoming front entrance faces east, representing creation and a new beginning.
• The Saskatoon Tribal Council 72-space early learning centre is in the east end of the 1st floor.
• The “pod” structure for classroom spaces will encourage collaborative learning.
• Colour schemes and design elements on each floor represent different elements: 1st floor Rock; 2nd Earth; 3rd floor Human.
• A bulkhead installation on the 1st floor contains lights depicting the constellations of the night sky during the signing of Treaty 6, at Fort Pitt, in 1876.
• Beams from St. Charles/Sion Middle School have been repurposed in the new school to honour the history of the school and location.
• The back alley will be used as the bus drop-off and pick-up loop to alleviate traffic congestion on the streets. 

Donor-funded spaces and features:

• The Bruno & Judile Martell First Nations Child and Family Wellness Centre, funded by Cathy and Keith Martell and Family (https://www.gscs.ca/_ci/p/11399), provides a space to help address health disparities through a wholistic approach to wellness and learning. Through partnerships with the U of S Colleges of Nursing and Medicine, and Saskatoon Tribal Council, students and families can access health education and primary health services in areas such as nutrition, and mental health supports. There will be an increase in access to services to enhance the quality of life of students, families and the broader community, while providing space for post-secondary learning and capacity building. . (https://www.gscs.ca/fra/_ci/p/22554)
• The māskīkīwi-mīcōwin Kitchen, funded by Cathy and Keith Martell and Family (https://www.gscs.ca/_ci/p/11399), will provide a welcoming place for families to share a cup of tea, cook a community meal, and prepare for feasts and other events.
• The mamatāwi-maskīkīya Greenhouse, funded by Cathy and Keith Martell and Family (https://www.gscs.ca/_ci/p/11399), will facilitate land-based learning and allow students to grow food and traditional Indigenous plants.
  1. Early’s Farm and Garden has provided in-kind gifts to outfit the space and supply materials.
  2. The U of S College of Agriculture and Bioresources has provided valuable expertise and guidance to plan the space and programming.
• The kā asamikiwisiwak kicawāsimisinawak (our children will be fed) Student Nutrition Kitchen, funded by Nutrien, will play an important role in supporting student well-being and nutrition. (https://www.gscs.ca/fra/_ci/p/21335)
• The tipēyimisowin Performing Arts Centre, funded by Saskatoon Nutana Rotary Club, gives space for students to learn and practice traditional dance and music. (https://www.gscs.ca/_ci/p/5716)
• The kēhtāwisowin STEAM Lab, funded by Affinity Credit Union, will provide hands-on, culturally appropriate, learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. (https://www.gscs.ca/_ci/p/13439)
• The nēhiyawītwāwin Elder’s Cultural Teaching Centre, funded by First Nations Bank of Canada, gives Elders space to build kinship and help students and staff grow in their cultural and Cree identity. (https://www.gscs.ca/fra/_ci/p/11179)
• The pwātisiwakamik Outdoor Arbour, funded by Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation, will allow the school to host cultural ceremonies and events, such as mini powwows and round dances, and will serve as a valuable teaching space for students and staff to learn and perform traditional cultural practices. (https://www.gscs.ca/_ci/p/20661)
• An original portrait of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, commissioned by L. P. (Bud) Sarich and Family
• The Grandfather Rock in front of the school is provided by John Prosak of Sturgeon River Ranch.
• The playground has a rubberized surface thanks to in-kind contributions from Solid State Rubber Paving.
• A painting of St. Francis of Assisi will be near the entrance thanks to a donation from artist Kevin Peeace.
• Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ Board of Education has also contributed almost $1 million to incorporate important educational and cultural components not covered in Government of Saskatchewan funding.