Group wants new Attawapiskat school named after youth advocate

A growing movement is calling for the new school to be built in Attawapiskat to be named after Shannen Koostachin who recently passed away.
Fifteen-year old Koostachin worked passionately to lobby for a new school for her home community of Attawapiskat. In December 2009 the community was told it would get the school it always wanted.
A Facebook page called Become a Fan If you think the New School should be named after Shannen, is already close to 2000 members since it was created shortly after Koostachin died in a car crash May 31.
Dorothy Hookimaw, education director of Attawapiskat Education Authority is aware of the suggestions coming from the Facebook page.
But she said naming the school is not a priority right now.
“People know that they will be getting a new school, but right now, we are not at that stage to be discussing what the school will be called,” Hookimaw said.
But it hasn’t stopped people from suggesting the new school take Koostachin’s name.
“What a day that will be when they open the doors to the new school for the children who will get a chance to walk through those doors. I strongly agree that the new school should be named after her,” wrote one user on the Facebook page.
“Shannen did so much during her young life, her strength and belief in the children of Attawapiskat will always be remembered. Naming the school after Shannen honours what she believed in, the children,” wrote another user.
Hoomikaw said when the time comes the community will be able to provide input on the school name.