Our Mission
Our goal is to create a sense of purpose in our students that will enhance and foster learning, growth, confidence, respect, and understanding to be able to contribute to building a strong, healthy, safe environment within the community.
Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School has an emergency Response Plan in place to enact quick and effective responses to events that impact students, staff, and the community.
Our History
Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School grew out of a decision the community made for itself. In 1976, Sandy Bay First Nation became one of only a few First Nations in Manitoba to gain local control of its own education — taking responsibility for how its children would learn.
The school was built in 1984 to hold 500 students, but by the time it opened, enrollment was already double that, and a second building was converted to make room for the more than 1,000 students attending. That demand told its own story: a community that valued education and showed up for it.
Today, IBMS continues that legacy, serving students from Nursery to Grade 12 and recently growing again, with a school renovation and extension creating new space for the students of Sandy Bay.
Who Was Isaac Beaulieu?
Born at Sandy Bay on 3 May 1938, this Aboriginal Elder attended the Sandy Bay and Lebret Residential Schools and later graduated from the University of Ottawa.
He built a career in education and community development, working in Fort Rigley (NWT), Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Sioux Lookout, and Sandy Bay. Throughout this work, he promoted Ojibwe language and culture, and helped found the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood. He also served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
In later years, he served as an Elder and Advisor to the Residential School Healing Strategy, Brandon University, Assiniboine Community College, Brandon School Division, the Sandy Bay Council of Elders, and many other organizations.
His contributions were recognized by National Aboriginal Achievement, the Manitoba Aboriginal Hall of Fame, the Brandon University Board of Governors, the Sandy Bay Education Foundation, and the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre.
He died at his Winnipeg home on 20 April 1999, and was buried in the Sandy Bay Cemetery.