Kawawachikamach First Nation
Kawawa, as it is generally referred to, is located near the 55th parallel in northern Quebec, next to the Labrador border. It is three hundred fifty air kilometers or five hundred twenty five railroad kilometers north of Sept Iles. The nearest town to Kawawa is Schefferville, 13 kms.
Rock, trees and water surround the two communities of Kawawa and Schefferville. They are situated approximately fifty kilometers south of the tundra line.
The membership population of Kawawa is 850 with approximately 650 residing in the community.
In Kawawa, Naskapi is their mother tongue and English is their second language. In Schefferville, the languages spoken are French and Montagnais.
Kawawa offers a full range of services. There is a police station, CLSC (health station with a doctor on call), general grocery store, gas station, fire department, local radio station, swimming pool, community center, Anglican church, public works department, band office, and of course, a school.
Schefferville also offers these conveniences and more. There is an airport, two hotels, mechanical garage, hockey arena, train station, school (French instruction), Catholic Church, two confectionaries, two drinking establishments and a Northern store (general).
Jimmy Sandy Memorial School Inauguration
Jimmy Sandy was born on March 1, 1965, the youngest of fourteen children born to the late Reverend Joseph Sandy and Elizabeth Sandy. Jimmy was a wonderful and pleasant boy whom many befriended. He had a lot of love for people especially children. His parents, who raised their children in the Christian faith, instilled fine qualities in Jimmy. He was a quiet-spoken boy who enjoyed his short life to the fullest.
Tragically, on March 1, 1978 (Jimmy’s 13th birthday), he perished in a house fire along with his mother and father. The community was in shock.
In 1985, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach built their first school. The community made a decision to name the school in Jimmy’s honor. This honor pays homage to his memory and the qualities he displayed during his short life. Jimmy will live forever in the hearts and minds of all those who were fortunate to know him.