The Nakoda Elementary School has opened on the Morley reserve west of Calgary, one year later than planned.

The $12-million school is energy efficient and equipped with a computer lab and SMART boards in every classroom.

Teacher Janisha Wildman says there will be a focus on teaching children about their language and culture.

Janisha Wildman teaches the Nakoda language to students at the new Nakoda Elementary School on the Morley reserve west of Calgary. (CBC)

"A few years ago elders have got together and designed a Stoney program and I use that on the SMART board so that children can actually hear and repeat the language," says Wildman.

Tina Fox is the school counsellor and an elder who passes along native stories.

"I see the pride in the parents faces when they walk in and the kids their faces just light up."

Opened after major delay

The school was supposed to open last fall, but was delayed when a new contractor had to be hired.

The Nakoda Elementary School has the capacity for 500 students, who will receive breakfast and lunch in the building.

Funding for the school came from the federal department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.