By Curtis Galbraith

Schools

GP&DCS considering naming a school after Louis Riel

Apr 29, 2022 | 6:00 AM

The board at Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools is looking at naming a new K-9 French Immersion school in the O’Brien area after Metis leader Louis Riel.

Board chair Russ Snoble says a number of names have been proposed.

“One of the top names that came through was Louis Riel as a possibility and so that was a name that was recommended. We looked at it as a possibility.”

He adds part of the reason for looking at this name is reconciliation.

“It was an opportunity for us to look forward so that’s why we want to look at how do we best do that and is that going to end up being the best choice for us here in our Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools.”

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Snoble says trustees are meeting with the archbishop to talk about whether to continue with that name. They are also looking for feedback from their school community.

“Well, that (was) the encouragement for us to look at when we met with Archbishop Gerry (Pettipas) is to make sure it’s something that would represent our school district well.”

“Those are the steps we’re looking at to make sure that we do represent our Catholic community well.”

Snoble says he expects some feedback as people in the school community are passionate about their faith.

More discussion is planned at a special board meeting set for Saturday at 10 a.m. Other name possibilities will also be considered.