CanNor-11-019
Dawson City, Yukon (November 30, 2011) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced improvements to the Tr'ochek National Historic Site that will enrich the experience of both visitors and citizens, and benefit the community by improving tourism attractions in the Dawson region.
"This infrastructure project expands the activities for tourists visiting this important First Nation cultural area, and will also create local jobs," said Minister Aglukkaq. "The Government of Canada is proud to support this tourism initiative, which reaffirms our commitment to a strong and diversified economy for the North."
"With these improvements to the Tr'ochek National Historic Site, the rich culture and heritage of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation will be more accessible to local citizens and visitors, and will create economic opportunities for local business and the community," said Yukon MP Ryan Leef.
"Our people have used this valuable gathering point for millennia," said Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation Chief Eddie Taylor. "Funding from CanNor allows us to maintain this important cultural area, while sharing it with visitors."
The investment from CanNor will enable the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation to build structures needed to access and use the site, including trails and a boat launch. Interpretive signs and displays will also be installed to tell the story of this site.
This project was made possible through funding from CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification, and capacity building in all three territories.
SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development and research.
Backgrounder - CanNor Invests in Yukon's Tourism Infrastructure
Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan and Canada's Northern Strategy.
For further information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
613-957-0200
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor, Yukon Region
867-667-3849
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation
Wayne Potoroka
Communications Director
867-993-7108
