Joint news release with the Government of Canada and Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Carcross/Tagish First Nation residents now have access to a new Language Hub and meeting spaces for youth and Elders, as well as for their heritage and archives materials and document management systems. The second phase of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre is now complete and provides additional space for the community to expand its traditional and modern learning facilities.
Together with local residents, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Yukon Community Services Minister John Streicker; and Khà Shâde Hení Andy Carvill of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, celebrated the official opening of the new learning wing of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre at a special totem raising ceremony in Carcross.
The Learning Centre is a central gathering place that will continue to contribute to the economic growth of the community and create local jobs. Throughout the project, citizens developed a variety of construction skills and abilities.
The Government of Canada provided $3,975,000 for the second phase of construction of the Learning Centre through the Small Communities Fund, and the Government of Yukon contributed $1,325,000 to build the learning wing.
From start to finish, learning has been the central purpose of this building, from the youth who helped build it while learning construction skills, to its purpose as the Learning Centre for Carcross/Tagish First Nation and residents of Carcross. Our government is pleased to have partnered with the Government of Canada and Carcross/Tagish First Nation in building this beautiful new learning wing that will serve Carcross residents and Yukoners for years to come.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
Infrastructure is about connecting people and communities and providing places to share our heritage and culture. This beautiful Learning Centre provides a gathering place that supports the needs of the community and delivers programs and activities for Carcross/Tagish First Nation residents and visitors. It is thanks to projects like this that we will build 21st-century communities and ensure a high quality of life for Northern Canadians.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell, on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities François-Philippe Champagne
We are thrilled that phase two is finally completed and that the entire facility is now open to the community. After years of hard work and an extraordinary amount of effort, we are excited to share this beautiful space and encourage learning, reconciliation, healing and host community gatherings. It was extraordinary to watch our Citizens come together to produce something that is so important for our Community, as well as for non-indigenous people to have an opportunity to learn about our culture, languages and traditions.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation Khà Shâde Hení Andy Carvill
Both the first and second phases of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre were built with the help of local Citizens. Students learned building skills in the process and some have gone on to apprenticeships.
The main hall and central building were opened on June 21, 2017, and are also available to rent for functions.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Aisha Montgomery
Communications, Community Services
867-456-6580
aisha.montgomery@gov.yk.ca
Daphne Pelletier Vernier
Communications Coordinator
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
867-821-4251 ext. 8235
daphne.vernier@ctfn.ca
Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
brook.simpson@canada.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada