Shannen Koostachin – Attawapiskat First Nation

The ground beneath Shannen Koostachin’s school in Attawapiskat was contaminated after a diesel fuel spill.

The building was condemned when she was in kindergarten.

Classes were held in trailers.

It was supposed to be temporary.

By grade 8 the trailers were broken, icy and moldy.

In 2009 Koostachin went to Ottawa and asked the Minister of Indian Affairs in person for a safe school building.

Conservative Chuck Strahl said no.

Finally one was built in 2014.

Sadly Shannen did not live to see it.

The 15-year old died in a car crash in June 2010.

Today the campaign for a better and safer education for all aboriginal students is known as Shannen’s Dream.