Canada-Yukon governments announce joint funding for landmark Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre

CARCROSS, YT, Sept. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon announced that $5.3 million in federal and territorial funding will be going towards the second phase of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation's (C/TFN) innovative Learning Centre.

"This joint funding effort is monumental and will provide citizens of our First Nation, as well as the extended community, an opportunity to learn about, share and uphold our language, culture, and traditions," said C/TFN Khà Shâde Héni (Chief), Andy Carvill.  "With spaces dedicated to learning, reconciliation, healing, and community gatherings, this building is one that moves the spirit."

The $5.3 million infrastructure funding is part of a joint contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon. In addition to their involvement in this second phase of the project, Yukon previously contributed $2.7 million toward the first phase, for a total contribution of more than $4 million in funding. This initial funding was instrumental in allowing C/TFN to begin construction on the Learning Centre's first phase. C/TFN has also invested a significant amount of capital to see this project through.

"We are thrilled that three levels of government were able to collaborate on this initiative and contribute to the success of this important project," said Khà Shâde Héni (Chief) Carvill. "With this funding, we are in a position to begin the second phase of construction and we are one step closer to opening the doors to this landmark building next summer. We are extremely grateful for the federal and territorial governments' support." 

There are many to thank and C/TFN offers its most sincere gratitude to: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski; Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Currie Dixon, Minister of Community Services; Pablo Rodriguez, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure; Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament, Yukon; and the countless dedicated officials and senior staff in both the federal and territorial governments. This project would not have been possible without the initiative of Nelson Lepine, CEO of Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation, who has led this project since it began eight years ago.

The Carcross/Tagish First Nation is a Self-Governing Yukon First Nation located in the southwest of Yukon. Their territory surrounds a portion of Klondike highway that runs from Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon, including Nares River Bridge, which is a vital gateway for Yukon commerce and trade.  

The Carcross/Tagish First Nation is mandated to protect the environment, health, education and aboriginal rights of its people; to continue to preserve and protect its culture and traditions; to protect and develop its natural resources and strengthen its economy and the government of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation for future generations.

SOURCE Daisy Consulting Group

Lisa Kinsella, Tel: [phone], [email protected]