Member of Parliament Ryan Leef Announces Support for Da Kų Cultural Centre
HAINES JUNCTION, Yukon, May 21, 2013 - Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced support for the Da Kų Cultural Centre. Funding will support the care and management of its growing repository of artifacts, archaeological materials, archives, and contemporary art.
“The Da Kų Cultural Centre is a living account of the rich history and life of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations,” said Mr. Leef. “By supporting these kinds of projects, we are delivering on our commitment to strengthen Canada’s economy and support arts, culture, and heritage.”
This investment will allow the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, owners and operators of the Centre, to develop a collections policy, as well as purchase and implement a collections management database. Both of these projects will contribute to the Centre’s goal of meeting the standards and requirements of a Class A heritage facility. This level of classification represents facilities that have demonstrated the ability to meet specific legal collections management and environmental requirements to properly care for and display items that represent outstanding significance and national importance to Canadian heritage.
“Our Government is proud to invest in the sustainability of local cultural institutions because of the important role they play in preserving and showcasing our shared history,” said Minister Moore. “On the road to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today.”
“We thank the Government of Canada and the Museums Assistance Program contribution. These funds are going a long way to protect artifacts and heritage items of great significance to Champagne and Aishihik people,” said Chief James Allen, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. “We are proud that our Da Kų Cultural Centre can meet Class A heritage standards. By organizing and looking after our heritage collections, we are keeping our First Nations language, culture, and traditions vibrant for generations to come.”
The Da Kų Cultural Centre, located just outside Kluane National Park on traditional Champagne and Aishihik First Nations land, opened in the summer of 2012. The Centre is a 27,000-square-foot heritage facility that acts as a gathering place to recognize and celebrate the cultural contributions and way of life of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $87,000 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
Follow us on Twitter:
Canadian Heritage’s Twitter page
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Department of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca