New Kwanlin Dün Community Hub Building Coming to Whitehorse

A drawing of what the future building is anticipated to look like.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Dorris Bill and others announced the construction of a new Kwanlin Dün community hub building in Whitehorse yesterday. The project is slated to be done in the fall of 2020.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Dorris Bill says she's excited about the construction of a new 40,000 square foot community hub building that was announced by her and others in Whitehorse yesterday.

The new Kwanlin Dün community hub building will be built on Kwanlin Dün Settlement Land in the McIntyre subdivision of Whitehorse, with the Canadian government, Yukon government and Kwanlin Dün First Nation contributing a combined total of around $29 million for the project.

Chief Bill says the new building will serve a variety of purposes.

"The community hub building is described perfectly in its name. It will be a place where our citizens gather for meetings, gatherings, ceremonies, or just to socialize. It will be the place where Kwanlin Dün First Nation citizens come to learn about the various programs and services our government provides. It is a reflection of the people of Kwanlin Dün."

Other amenities that will be in the new space include an Elders lounge, a cultural classroom, and Kwanlin Dün First Nation archival space for local recordings and artwork.

Minister of Tourism & Culture Jeanie Dendys says the new building will help to advance Indigenous reconciliation in the community.

"I just want to say how vitally important this project is to the well being of the Kwanlin Dün community. I know how many of you have followed the stories along the way with community safety and community wellness. The vitality of the Kwanlin Dün Community is growing... today is an emotional day for us. It marks a new chapter."

A tender for the project has just been released and construction for the project is expected to be done in the fall of 2020.

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