New Tän Tágà Shro Trail Unveiled Today in Whitehorse

Wednesday, 5 June 2019 15:12

Minister of Environment Pauline Frost, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Councillor Jessie Dawson, Elders and others unveiled the new Tän Tágà Shro wheelchair accessible interpretive trail today at Wolf Creek Campground near Whitehorse.

In total, 50 personnel helped to make the entire three kilometer trail a reality, which includes seven panel signs about Yukon nature in the Southern Tutchone, English and French languages.

Ta'an Kwach'an Heritage Council Representative Anne Marie Miller says all those who've contributed to the project have also helped raise public knowledge and awareness around the Southern Tutchone language.

"I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Ta'an Kwa'chan Elder Hazel Bunbury, who provided the translations, and the other Ta'an Kwachan citizens and staff who contributed to this project. As we know, Whitehorse is a hotspot for tourism and Wolf Creek is a place enjoyed by many Yukoners and travelers. This signage is part in increasing awareness to our community about the traditional territories of the Ta'an Kwach'an Council and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation."

Kwanlin Dun First Nation Councillor Jessie Dawson says its powerful to see the revitalization of First Nation languages in action in the territory's capital.

"I'm proud to see the resurgence of First Nations languages in our young people and on the signage throughout the city. First Nation languages have been spoken on this land for thousands of years and we're starting to speak our language again in public places. It's great to see."

On top of the interpreters, contractors, archaeologists, biologists and designers involved in the making of the trail, staff of SingleTrack to Success also were the main labourers to help in the construction of the project.

Parks Interpretive Planner Sara Neilson says two other trailheads in the area were renamed during the language revitalization project.

"We've also renamed the other two trailheads in the campground. One is "Gyu Ajel",which is run by the Fish and Game Association. As you leave, there's another one called "Dthel Khiy", which leads up to an escarpment. It's absolutely incredible."

Other features unveiled were a wheelchair accessible campground constructed across the road from the main trailhead and four new benches along the trail.

$55,000 was provided in funding for the project by the CanNor.

New Tän Tágà Shro Trail Unveiled Today in Whitehorse

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