Joint news release with Kluane First Nation
The Government of Yukon and Kluane First Nation are taking another step towards reconciliation by working together to build a new school in Burwash Landing.
A tender for an Owner’s Advisor has been posted on Yukon Bids and Tenders. The Owner’s Advisor will provide expertise and guidance on this new school project. The tender is scheduled to close in February 2021.
Moving the current Kluane Lake School from Destruction Bay to Burwash Landing has been a longstanding request of Kluane First Nation. In June 2020, the Government of Yukon and Kluane First Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a commitment to plan and construct a new school in Burwash Landing.
We are very proud to honour this longstanding request of Kluane First Nation and to be working in partnership to build a new school in Burwash Landing that will allow Kluane First Nation Citizens to learn and thrive in their community. This is another positive step toward reconciliation and working together with Yukon First Nations to build vibrant, healthy communities in Yukon.
Minister of Education Tracy-Anne McPhee
Across the territory, our government is building state-of-the-art schools that support students, staff, and the communities they are in. We look forward to working with the community on this important project and getting started on construction.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn
2021 will be 104 years since Kluane First Nation had asked for a school to be built in Burwash Landing. We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Government of Yukon to build a new school. One that will be based on our language, culture, and traditions for all ages, and will be useful for education purposes and for the Community as a whole. With a new school, Kluane First Nation is hopeful that this will help to both retain our Citizens and encourage our Citizens to move home to the community, which will lead to building capacity for the First Nation Government.
Kluane First Nation Chief Bob Dickson
Students have been attending Kluane Lake School in Destruction Bay since 1961.
This new school is being planned to accommodate students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Kluane First Nation has requested the school be located in Burwash Landing several times over the past 100 years.
Renee Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Kyle Nightingale
Communications, Education
867-336-0653
kyle.nightingale@yukon.ca
Oshea Jephson
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-3568
oshea.jephson@yukon.ca
Maggie Dumkee
Executive Director, Kluane First Nation
867-332-8186
executive.director@kfn.ca