This is the latest design for a new Behchokǫ̀ school

The vision for a new Behchokǫ̀ school includes bringing both existing schools together on a new campus just north of Rae.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government (TG) and GNWT have been working on a proposal for years. The details are included in documents published by the territorial government this month as it looks to hire design consultants.

The governments are getting a design ready in the hope of securing $300 million or more, which is their rough estimate of the cost to build the facility.

Plans call for the school to be built next to new housing by the lake on Rae’s northern edge. It would replace two existing schools that the governments say are near the end of their useful lives.

Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Edzo is more than 50 years old. Elizabeth Mackenzie School in Rae is more than 30. Rae and Edzo are the two main communities that make up Behchokǫ̀

“The intent is that each school retain its own identity and name while being part of a single larger building that includes a double gymnasium as well as a combined library,” states a request for proposals issued by the GNWT this week.

The building would hold about 320 students at Elizabeth Mackenzie School and 400 at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School.

Planning has been gradually progressing since 2018. The new contract would refine the existing concept by fall 2027. There is no published timeline to build the facility as funding for construction hasn’t been secured.

Bidders for the latest design contract are told they will be working on “a student-centred, culture-oriented school that can accommodate a wide range of student programming as well as community interests, that is built to last.”

Documents state the design must make Elders feel comfortable, offer flexible learning spaces beyond a typical classroom, include a cafeteria to serve both schools, and ensure “a connection to nature wherever possible.”

A 2025 document – included among materials released this month – draws a parallel with Inuvik’s East Three School, which similarly combines an elementary school and high school in a large facility.

In a 2024 document seeking planning cash from the federal government, the GNWT and TG presented the new school as “an opportunity for reconciliation.”

In the 1960s, the federal government built Edzo and tried to move Rae’s residents there, Most refused to go. The two governments referenced that attempted forced relocation in that 2024 request, which was included in the same set of materials.

“Some of the biggest infrastructure issues in the community are directly linked to the decision to establish the community of Edzo,” the governments asserted.

“Tłı̨chǫ people have strongly indicated the new school needs to be built in Behchokǫ̀ proper so their children do not have to travel 15 km by bus every day to and from school.”