September 24, 2025 -- Regina Public’s newest school celebrated its grand opening with a plaque unveiling on September 24, 2025. The Minister of Education Everett Hindley and the Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement Dave Marit, along with Mayor Chad Bachynski and Regina Board of Education Trustee Cindy Anderson, brought greetings at this long-awaited event.
The day started with a pipe ceremony before classes at 8 a.m. Principal and emcee Danielle Istace began the formal event at 10 a.m. with a land acknowledgement and then introduced The Willow Warriors, a women’s Indigenous choir, who sang and drummed two songs. Elder Garvin Bird then said a few words before the formal speaking commenced.
In addition to the invited guest speakers, two Grade 8 students also spoke on behalf of their fellow schoolmates. Other guests included representatives of the School Community Council, the North East Community Centre, Regina Public and Regina Catholic Schools administration, as well as school and community partners and school families.
The event concluded with a plaque unveiling. This plaque will now be mounted to the school building for all students, staff families and guests to see for many years in the future.
The school is the first Regina Public school to have a name in a language other than English. The word tawâw in the Cree language means come in; you are welcome; there’s room! In the Michif language, Tàwaw means welcome, which is fitting as tawâw school also has a Michif language program.
“The opening of tawâw school is a long-anticipated triumph in perseverance, respect for diverse cultures and commitment to student-centred public education,” Regina Board of Education Chairperson Adam Hicks said. “This new school brings together former McDermid and Imperial school students, staff, families and their communities and provides a great place to learn, work, grow, play and achieve!”
Part of a joint school that includes Regina Catholic’s St. Raphael, which is scheduled to open in January, tawâw school also shares a building with the North East Community Centre.
To read the government of Saskatchewan news release about the grand opening, please follow this link.
Cutline for picture 1: At the plaque unveiling for the grand opening of tawâw school ( l to r): Minister of Education Everett Hindley; Principal Danielle Istace; Trustee for Subdivision 4 Cindy Anderson; Grade 8 students Zemal and Ryker; Mayor Chad Bachynski; Elder Garvin Bird; and SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Dave Marit.
