Photo by Vince Fedoroff
A MILESTONE OF A DAY – Doris Bill, the chief of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, speaks at Wednesday’s media briefing on the planned new community hub.
Photo by Photo Submitted
MAJOR PROJECT UNVEILED – Ottawa will contribute more than $19.3 million toward the planned new Kwanlin Dün First Nation hub (above). Inset Larry Bagnell, Doris Bill
Kwanlin Dün First Nation to get community hub
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation has received funding from the federal and territorial governments for its community hub.
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation has received funding from the federal and territorial governments for its community hub.
Yukon MP Larry Bagnell announced Wednesday that the federal government will be providing more than $19.3 million for the project.
It will be coming from the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream and the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie Dendys said the Yukon government will provide $6.4 million in funding.
Kwanlin Dün will contribute $3.2 million.
Kwanlin Dün Chief Doris Bill said the name community hub is fitting.
It’s designed to be a space where the community will have meetings, ceremonies or just socialize. Citizens can come to learn about programs the First Nation offers.
“It is a reflection of the people of Kwanlin Dün,” Bill said.
She said Kwanlin Dün sought out public input. There was a design festival last fall where people were asked what they would like in the facility.
The hub will be 40,000 square feet. It will be a meeting place, a cultural centre, an archive and a space for Kwanlin Dün programs.
Bill said there are a lot of photos, art and elder materials that have accumulated over the years. These materials will be incorporated into the archive.
The hub is designed to replace the First Nation’s current administration building on McIntyre Drive.
Council has not yet decided if the current building will be completely torn down and the council chamber moved to a new location.
“It will provide an anchor, a signal that after a number of forced relocations, the people of Kwanlin Dün are here to stay,” she said.
Most of the First Nation’s citizens were relocated from dilapidated buildings in the Marwell area – since demolished – to new homes in the McIntyre subdivision in the mid-1980s.
The tender for the hub project went out on Wednesday, and is expected to tentatively close on Aug. 1.
Construction will begin sometime this fall. The hub is expected to be complete by the late fall of 2020.
Bill thanked Bagnell and various territorial officials for their help to get the hub off the ground.
Bagnell said there are more nuances to how infrastructure improves the quality of life for a community. This includes funding social infrastructure, like the hub.
“When we invest in social infrastructure, we improve mental health, physical health and spiritual health,” Bagnell said. “We reduce a lot of suffering and government expenditures.”
He said Yukon First Nations and communities know what is needed.
With that in mind, the federal government doubled the gasoline tax share for the North. This translated into funding of $492 million for more than 70 projects in the Yukon.
Bagnell said this will be a modern and energy-efficient building, featuring a lot of solar panels.
Dendys said this was an exciting day for Kwanlin Dün and the territory. The First Nation’s former justice director said it has been a long path for this project.
She explained that the federal government’s infrastructure plan is providing predictable funding. This allows communities to build local solutions to local needs. It also creates economic opportunities to create these projects.
It also helps with reconciliation, Dendys added.
She said this will be an important meeting space for the community and the world.
“This is a new chapter for the Kwanlin Dün community and Yukon,” Dendys said.
She said the funding will create a space that will be used for generations to come.
Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar
In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.
Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.
Comments (31)
Up 3 Down 0
Seth Wright on Jul 15, 2019 at 8:04 am
@ Slow Talkin Walter - You are wrong with your estimation of the courts opinion. Your assertion is the reason we have a crisis in democracy and it is the foundation of despotic rule... You need to educate yourself on the democratic process and the Canadian systems of governance.
Up 0 Down 4
slow talkin walter on Jul 11, 2019 at 5:38 pm
@joe - First & respectfully what you think and believe doesn't hold much weight. As the interpreter of the Charter, it's only the Court that has a relevant opinion. Your option is to repeal the Charter, and/or re-open the constitution and take power away from the court, and put it in the hands of Parliament. BTW, both Mulroney and Chretien tried to change the Constitution, and I think .. it... went... poorly.
Second, when it comes to treaties a deal is a deal. Canada signed agreements, and as long as the rule of law continues to apply, you're bound to them.
Third, Yes, the vast majority of us are all mutts of one sort or another. Further, trust me, I'm wide awake (more so than yourself I'd venture), as are many indigenous groups that are starting to use measures such as residency and blood quantum to qualify for membership. Where nations go with the topic is going to be interesting to watch. I'm sure there will soon be a decision from the courts affirming the ability of groups/nations to set their own rules of membership. However, you can hold onto that platitude about us all being the same. Good luck with that.
Up 0 Down 2
Joe on Jul 10, 2019 at 11:18 pm
@slow talking walker and kind: Wake up it’s 2019 and there are no us and them anymore, all the lines are blurred, there is no pure breed anything or anyone and the past is just that - past and gone. Nobody believes the crap about “first” anything and no one believes one Canadian group should get more money than another. One thing for sure, we’re all Canadian, we all live here and we’re all the same.
Up 6 Down 6
slow talkin walter on Jul 10, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Do some reading before you comment folks. There are no "conquered" peoples in Canada. The Royal Proclamation of 1763, set out the rights of indigenous peoples to lands in Canada.
Everything relevant that has transpired since, including the Constitution Act of 1982 (incl the Charter of Rights and Freedoms), many Supreme Court interpretations (some of which I disagree with, but I don't count, only 9 appointed Justices do) the "old" Numbered and Friendship Treaties and Modern Treaties, stems from that document.
Below is the relevant paragraph of the Proclamation. IMO interested (and vocal) Canadians should try to understand the rules, and decide to accept them, or find a spot that has rules they like.
"And whereas it is just and reasonable, and essential to Our Interest and the Security of Our Colonies, that the several Nations or Tribes of Indians, with whom We are connected, and who live under Our Protection, should not be molested or disturbed in the Possession of such Parts of Our Dominions and Territories as, not having been ceded to, or purchased by Us, are reserved to them, or any of them, as their Hunting Grounds"
And BTW, a read of the Indian Act of 1876 would help you too.
https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-INTER-HQ/STAGING/texte-text/1876c18_1100100010253_eng.pdf
Up 9 Down 3
Mitch on Jul 10, 2019 at 12:55 pm
I do not have a problem with an New Admin Building / Community Hub as long as there is justification. I think that is all people want. Is there a problem with the old admin building? Has the First Nation outgrown it? Or is there some other issue? What is the New Community Hub offering that is not part of the Cultural Center? What are our tax dollars paying for?
Members of Kwanlin Dun should also care on what this money is being spent on. Especially when there are other buildings that are in need of repair/replacement I would think the members would want funding for affordable housing. If the need is justified, then proceed but I think the public, including Members of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation should know why this project was picked for funding and why affordable housing initiatives or housing repairs are not the priority.
Up 12 Down 19
BnR on Jul 10, 2019 at 7:42 am
The usual hyperbole and BS from the usual cranks.
Hope the KDFN citizens will enjoy their facility, just as other people enjoy their community centres, places like Mt Lorne etc...
The Star needs to place a warning in these comments; Caution, Contains Nuts!
Up 31 Down 6
Yukon56 on Jul 8, 2019 at 8:43 pm
If it wasn't for the British who gave rights to conquered peoples we would not have these issues. Spanish, and French conquered and forced all into their system - no rights at all.
Up 29 Down 12
French rights on Jul 8, 2019 at 6:57 pm
How come any of you attacking FN (with very limited racist views I might add) are not all over the French in this town (new 40 million dollar school for a handful of students, like 20-50 at most. The rest of us can't send our kids there but we pay through the teeth for it!!). Right--because FN are NOT equal in your eyes and you enjoy the oppression. Keep people down, where you think they belong. You're picking on the wrong group--FN are not the issue!
Up 4 Down 16
This is all FN Land! on Jul 8, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Dear almost a Yukoner, Obviously some people have nothing better to do then send emails that don't fit into the string of emails, that is the purpose of this is to help bring people to a better understanding of where we all are at???
A poster was talking about conquering YFNs and I just clarified that that was not the case in Kwanlin Dun traditional territory or any other YFN traditional territory. So in essence you were agreeing with me. Remember we are here to find some common ground, I sincerely believe that is your objective also.
Up 32 Down 7
Oya on Jul 8, 2019 at 12:49 pm
What I don't understand is: why are my federal tax dollars used for something I cannot access/use because I don't belong to that closed group? Why are federal tax dollars not used solely for things that benefit ALL Canadians?
Up 52 Down 18
yukoner on Jul 8, 2019 at 11:43 am
This is all FN land!
Conquered? Are you kidding me?
What was there to conquer? There were family tribes, living kill to kill, to exist.
This wasn't the Sioux nation up here.
Where in Whitehorse was the indigenous settlement? Where are the structures, longhouses, totem poles? Oh Yea, there are none. The indigenous people settled in Whitehorse when the railroad was built into Whitehorse, because it was easier to exist in town than in the bush.
Your people may have passed through here, but I don't think there was village here.
Up 54 Down 15
drum on Jul 7, 2019 at 7:51 pm
My hard earned tax money going again to Trudeaus friends. Do I get to use this facility? Like hell I do - just for FN. I am fed up with l% of the countries population getting money every time they bitch about something.
Up 23 Down 37
This is all FN Land! on Jul 7, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Dear Mr. almost a Yukoner. I am not sure what the case is here? I can only assume that there are people here who fell asleep under a rock in the 1970s and just woke up.
In the here and now, most forward thinking Yukoners understand that most FNs are hard working people like the rest of us, yes there are still challenges that FNs are facing, but they are working on them. Most are taxing paying citizens like the rest of us. Those that try to promote out of date sterotypes are now safely in the minority.
Up 54 Down 19
Yukoner 123 on Jul 7, 2019 at 8:22 am
@This is all FN Land!
"First off, all governments do a lot of funding in the election year, where were you guys when Harper was handing out gobs of tax payer dollars before elections??
The difference is that the tax dollars generated by TAX PAYING citizens are going to... NON tax paying citizens. You know the money doesn't actually come from "the government", right? You do know that it's all the working people around you, busting their asses day after day, for your $30m club house? Does that mean everyone can use the new facility? I didn't think so...
Not to mention, it's well documented that you were not actually the first peoples of this land. Time to get off it. Pay your own way like "most" everybody else.
Up 21 Down 43
This is all FN Land! on Jul 6, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Dear Mr. Redneck, by the way, a bit of history lesson, FNs in the Yukon were not conquered. There were no large armies that came in and took over FN land. The Gold Rush happened, new comers just came in and settled. That is why we have and had modern treaties that your governments have always had a sketchy record honoring.
Up 50 Down 16
Martin on Jul 5, 2019 at 11:58 pm
KDFN moved to McIntyre Sub about 30 years ago; Is that Admin Bldg obsolete already? I seems to me, they are pour caretakers of their assets.
Up 59 Down 6
Mick on Jul 5, 2019 at 11:49 pm
You could build a lot of housing for 30 million. Bread before circuses.
Up 66 Down 6
Joe on Jul 5, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Can you imagine how far 30 million would go towards health and social services, addiction treatment and prevention, education (maybe even a school)? Instead, let’s build another center for parties and celebrations, while those in need continue to suffer. Yup, that’s responsible self governing for sure.
Up 21 Down 44
This is all FN Land! on Jul 5, 2019 at 5:42 pm
OK fine, I will take the old ways, where we had our own economy, own justice systems, own homes, own land and you move back where ever you are from. You see where that type of discussion gets us eh?
So let's work together and find real world solutions for your problems and ours. Cause I sure as hell am not leaving and I suspect neither are you.
To start with, we could stop a lot of the ill informed comments about FNs and tax dollars. Read a Final and Self-Government Agreement, they are protected by the highest laws in the land and are not going to change.
Up 62 Down 5
tnk on Jul 5, 2019 at 4:04 pm
I'm also thinking it is a huge sum of money to spend on one building. I think my question is did they really ask everyone in the community how they want to spend almost 30 million? I feel they could consider using some to improve the existing infrastructure/community in MacIntyre area, build a new center and have still money left over to improve other areas in the community as well.
Up 72 Down 20
Redneck here on Jul 5, 2019 at 3:19 pm
@This is all FN Land!
Pump the breaks there bud. Without the "white man" you still be living a nomadic life, hunting and trapping and dying according to the whims of the tribes. So put down that smartphone and chill on the racism. It works both ways. You want independent FN nation and self government AND tax dollars to your FN coffers? Be happy you are in Canada, everywhere else conquered people get squat, save for a few casinos they can run.
Up 19 Down 84
This is all FN Land! on Jul 5, 2019 at 12:55 pm
OK rednecks slow down and take a breath and try to think about this now. First off, all governments do a lot of funding in the election year, where were you guys when Harper was handing out gobs of tax payer dollars before elections??
Also, the land that you live on and the land that you work on, the resources that you extract are from FNs land. Therefore you are lucky to be paying taxes. Anything that a FN gets from the feds or territory is long overdue.
Up 60 Down 7
New federal government on Jul 5, 2019 at 12:47 pm
The new federal government will cancel this frivolous spending in November. Should still be in design or at best tendering stage for a job this size. Save some money, the nice centre by the library not good enough anymore?
Up 72 Down 12
Yukoner on Jul 5, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Looking forward to the day when the government of the day says, No!
Enough already. Pay your own way!
Up 76 Down 10
Bandit on Jul 5, 2019 at 8:07 am
I thought the Kwanlin Dun had a community hub already...The Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center ?
Up 75 Down 14
Mick on Jul 4, 2019 at 7:53 pm
So much for being a self governing FN if they still need Canada to shovel tax dollars into a play house.
Up 74 Down 5
Curious Yukoner on Jul 4, 2019 at 7:48 pm
With my limited math skills I add this up to about $30 Million. What the hell kind of a building are we talking here???? … nothing against Kwanlin Dunn getting a new admin building... but this seems a bit over the top. Has anyone considered the future O&M costs... or which federal or territorial group of taxpayers will fund that bill?.... on one day FN's talk saving the planet and how they did so well at it before the white man... and now they advocate to increase our carbon footprint by building this monster... solar panels won't cut it all year around... getting tired of paying out of both sides of my wallet!
Up 57 Down 6
Juniper Jackson on Jul 4, 2019 at 4:42 pm
What the Liberals are doing all across Canada is terrifying. You all know Canada does not have that money right?
Up 92 Down 16
Thomas Brewer on Jul 4, 2019 at 3:20 pm
No wonder Ms. Bill is smiling... $20+ Million dollar building being dropped into their laps. It's patently obvious the Libs are scared they're losing popularity, so the kissing babies and tossing taxpayer's money around is in full swing.
Appalling.
Up 98 Down 16
Can you tell? on Jul 4, 2019 at 1:04 pm
That it's an election year? Go Larry, spend that Ottawa money before you get your walking papers handed to you in October.
Up 94 Down 16
Mr M on Jul 4, 2019 at 12:58 pm
More money from the Liberal Government. Must be an election coming? Buying more votes. HAHa.