08/16/2026
*Structure Sunday*
-Fort Vermilion Public School-
Initiated by William Letts and helped by Ira Michell, Arthur Mitchell, Howard Partch, (and others) the one room school was constructed in 1922- all work being completed with hand tools. The building and operations of the school were completely funded by the families of attending students and William was able to procure left over books and supplies from the Roman Catholic Mission. As there was no outside funding nor supplies received - the government was not aware of the school. William continued as teacher until 1926 when he chose to focus on farming Some of early students are noted as Hannah Mitchell, William Mitchell, Walter Mitchell, Ralph Mitchell, Maude Mitchell, John Mitchell, Roderick Mitchell, William Mclean, Arthur McLean, Bobbie McLean, Warren Clarke, Glen English, Louise English, Walter Letts, Estella Fone, Cyril Fone, Leonard Eek, Alfred Eek. Students walked, or rode horse to school and when temperatures were too cold classes were cancelled as the 1 oil drum wood heater struggled to keep the space warm. In 1927 Mrs. O'Connor was hired as a paid teacher and the school was recognized by the provincial government. This structure hosted school until 1948 when a new school was constructed on the same site. This original log school stood on the lot that currently hosts the "Sipiwan Center 15" collegiate building of the FVSD - It is not known what became of this original log school structure.
