Ground-breaking ceremony for N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù Traditional Camp marks new chapter for cultural education in Whitehorse

The Government of Yukon is proud to support educational projects that enhance culturally-inclusive learning and seek to advance reconciliation. Today, Porter Creek Secondary School Council hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for the much-anticipated N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù Traditional Camp.

The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) awarded $100,000 towards this project, which will significantly transform cultural education in Whitehorse. The Yukon government, which annually contributes to the AIP, also provided $25,000 for this initiative and will provide project management services during upcoming summer construction.

N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù will enable the school and the wider community to engage in authentic cultural programming. It is designed to equip educators, enrich student understanding and appreciation of cultural teachings and promote lifelong learning. It also ensures full school participation, encouraging a deep connection to culture and land and ultimately advancing reconciliation for all students.

Today's ground-breaking ceremony for the N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù Traditional Camp represents a significant milestone in cultural education, particularly in Whitehorse. This transformative initiative empowers not only Porter Creek Secondary School but also the wider community, fostering a deep embrace of meaningful cultural programming. Initiatives like this, which enhance connection between students, land and culture, play a crucial role in building a strong, resilient and inclusive Yukon for generations to come.

Premier Ranj Pillai

Building traditional skills and the transformative journey of learning them are essential for establishing meaningful connections between youth and knowledge-keepers. These connections serve as a cornerstone for fostering strength, knowledge and resilience. The fact that these opportunities are now available to students at Porter Creek Secondary School is truly incredible, and I look forward to seeing how this will strengthen future generations.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

This project is a direct result of our powerful youth voice. It will have a significant impact on future educational programming and the capacity to authentically embedded cultural teachings throughout our school community.

PCSS administrator and AIP team member Nicole Cross

The significance of this camp is that it is inclusive towards the intersectional community. It is so beneficial to all students who get to attend Porter Creek Secondary. It is a great example of a space that will be open and bring people together. We know it will be a safe, sacred and healing place where lots of kids will feel welcome.

PCSS student and AIP team member Mehkayla Fred

Quick facts 
  • “N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù” is a Southern Tutchone phrase. N’’tsaÜw Chu’ means “wild rhubarb little creek”, the traditional name for the Porter Creek neighbourhood. Kedts’edán Kù means “learning house”.

  • The N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù project received a $100,000 Arctic Inspiration Prize grant in February 2023 in the Youth Category.

  • The team that nominated this project was composed of current and former Porter Creek Secondary School students, school administration staff, Yukon First Nation Education Directorate advocates and a community Elder.

  • Porter Creek Secondary School will be the only school in Whitehorse with infrastructure designed to offer this type of in-depth cultural programming.

  • The Arctic Inspiration Prize is the largest annual prize in Canada. It inspires, enables and celebrates the achievements of the people of the North.

  • Each year, the Government of Yukon contributes $100,000 to the Arctic Inspiration Prize to ensure it continues to inspire, enable and celebrate the achievements of the people of the North.

  • This initiative supports Priority Action Item #2 of Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy, and the commitment in the Implementation Plan 2023-2038 to invest in community land-based infrastructure and programming.

Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca


Clarissa Wall
Communications, Department of Education 
867-667-5701
clarissa.wall@yukon.ca

News release #: 
23-208