Dawson City— A new heritage complex for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in will provide an important space for cultural conservation and knowledge sharing after a joint investment of over $25.6 million from the federal government and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
The new facility in Dawson City will provide a community space for records preservation and archiving, as well as cultural and language programming. Once built, the complex will feature an oral history recording studio, a library, classrooms and archives. Members of the community and visitors will be able to use this much-needed space to gather, learn, and connect with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in culture and history.
The building will be designed to meet net-zero carbon performance standards and withstand and adapt to melting permafrost. A flood wall will also be installed to redirect any potential flood water around the building, mitigating risk from the Yukon River.
“Today’s investment highlights the importance of preserving Indigenous culture while maintaining resilience to future climate impacts. This vital facility will provide the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in with a space to connect with their heritage and ensure that community members maintain connections to traditional knowledge and the land for years to come.” – Dr Brendan Hanley, MP for Yukon