Education Longhouse Update

The Education Longhouse project is taking a big step forward! Since 2011 the design has been refined and improved, and Potlotek has been successful in securing some funding for the project. With renewed energy and enthusiasm, the project is moving forward with phase 3 of the design, which will really set the stage for development!

Cities & Environment Unit (at Dalhousie University) presented the refined design concept to Potlotek Chief and Council on January 22, 2013. With schools cancelled in the region the team was not able to meet with students, but there will be an upcoming chance for students to see the updated design.

The Education Longhouse will be a community building that is built by the community. It will be a beautiful and unique building that expands education opportunities and brings people together in new ways to share knowledge,  promote Mi'kmaq culture and celebrate community. The building will be a multi-use and flexible education facility with spaces for many kinds of learning. The building will include classrooms, a community gallery space to showcase local art, and space for cultural gathering.

Look out for announcements of upcoming meetings. Get involved! This is YOUR building - you can help make it a reality!

Here is a sneak peek at the building concept to date:

More images, including floor plans, will be added soon...

Ask how you can get involved!
Potlotek contact - Nancy Mcleod 535-3160

Proposed Education Facilities Building

The education facilities project is based on a community design-build approach which involves the community every step of the way. With your involvement the project will enable skill development, community unity, teamwork and ultimately the development of an educational facility for the high school students and a space to meet the needs of community members. The involvement of many members will ensure a thoughtful, innovative design that caters to the needs and desires of community members. In addition there is an opportunity to leverage the project funds, saving money by using local resources and achieving more benefit for community members by incorporating training, skill development and employment into the project. The enthusiasm and involvement of community members at every phase is important to the success rate at which the project is achieved.

The design was created from the input of community members, students, teachers, administrators and band officials and is constantly developing with your input.

Free Lab Finale

Free Lab ended on Thursday, July 28th. Check out the pictures below to see what we accomplished! Community members and Potlotek High School students are continuing work on the storage facility, finishing some structural components and details.

The team is grateful to all those who donated their valuable time and energy to the project. Seeing it come together over the last few days has been truly amazing, and we couldn't have done it without the dedication and hard work of all involved.

Front Page of Cape Breton Post!

Read today's article discussing our project here.

It's also on the front page if you buy a copy.

Day Eleven - Railings, two walls, and a door

Taking a rained out morning to update on yesterday. We designed and built railing using an aircraft cable system that runs the entire length. We also finished framing up the storage space. On our deck at the end we began assembling a 16' door for the front. We worked late into the night and even began our roof.

Day Ten - Raising the wall

Today we raised the wall that was going to be the back of our storage area.

Day Ten - Finishing the decking, tension cables, and beginning to frame

Today was a scorcher! We spent a lot of time finishing off the decking, and then replaced the temporary bracing on the last bay with tension cables.

We began to frame the stud walls on the upper level of the deck on the platform, and raised two up.