Dawson, Yukon, July 23, 2011 -- On behalf of The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada plaque commemorating Tr'ochëk as a National Historic Site of Canada. The ceremony was held at the Dänojà Zho Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Cultural Centre in historic Dawson City.
"Ceremonies such as this highlight the value we, as a society, place on preserving culturally significant spaces" said Mr. Leef. "Tr'ochëk is a monument to the enduring history of the Hän, and it is only through the collaborating of many people that Tr'ochëk has been preserved and presented for all Canadians."
Tr'ochëk, a traditional Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Hän fishing camp is located south of Dawson City at the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers. It was deemed to be nationally significant for its representation of the Hän cultural landscape of the middle Yukon River Valley, and the role of the land as the source and carrier of traditional knowledge.
Remarkably, Tr'ochëk survived the impacts of the Gold Rush and industrial development. Today the heritage site is owned by the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation and is a valued community resource for cultural activities, and a "good place" for sharing the Hän culture with neighbours and visitors. Tr'ochëk is seen as a legacy from the Elders and a bridge from past to the future.
"The commemoration of First Nations history is a priority for our government." said Minister Kent. "Tr'ochëk now joins the family of persons, places and events relating to Aboriginal history and recognized for their national historic significance as part of Canada's cultural mosaic."
Created in 1919 and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up the rich tapestry of Canada's cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Dan Verhalle
A/ Manager of External Relations
Yukon Field Unit
Parks Canada
867-667-3917
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
