Ottawa, Ontario, November 23, 2012 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, today recognized T’äw Tà’är, a cultural landscape in the Yukon, as a national historic site of Canada.
“T’äw Tà’är is a cultural landscape that illustrates the significance of the relationship between the Ta’an Kwäch’än and their traditional territory, and the importance of connections and cultural networks,” said Mr. Leef. “This special place is representative of many of the cultures of our First Peoples and is a worthy addition to Yukon’s list of places, people and events of national historic significance.”
Located on the Teslin River, Yukon, T’äw Tà’är is an Aboriginal cultural landscape that represents the interconnected web of seasonal food gathering activities, family relations, travel and trade of the Southern Tutchone people of Ta’an Kwäch’än, “the people of the flat lake place.” It has been chosen by the Ta’an Kwäch’än as a landscape that speaks to their traditional way of life.
“Today’s designation helps bring to life the cultural and physical ties that First Nations have to this country, for both Canadians and visitors to Canada,” said Minister Kent. “T’äw Tà’är is a cultural landscape that illustrates their world, and the connections that sustained it.”
Today’s designation will be included in Canada’s system of national historic sites, persons and events, on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was established in 1919 and is supported by Parks Canada. It advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada’s history. On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada manages a nationwide network that makes up a rich tapestry of Canada’s historical heritage and offers the public opportunities 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:
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
National Historic Site Designation – T’äw Tà’är
