Parks Canada Celebrates 75th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway at Soldier’s Summit
News Release
June 29, 2017 Haines Junction, Yukon Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience nature and history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Today, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, the Kluane First Nation and the Government of Yukon, are hosting an afternoon of festivities at the Soldier’s Summit Trailhead to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the completion of the Alaska Highway.
June 29th marks the 75th anniversary of the construction of the Alaska Highway. On November 20th, 1942, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Soldier’s Summit Trail, officially opening the new Alaska Highway. Parks Canada has recently upgraded the Soldier’s Summit Trail. Investments in a picnic area at the trailhead, refurbished benches on the trail, and a new viewing deck, will guarantee a safe, high-quality experience for the visitors to this remarkable site. National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer. Developing new and innovative programs and services is one way that Parks Canada helps more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, discover and enjoy one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world.
Also, as part of Parks Canada’s commitment to ensuring that interpretive materials and activities at all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas are respectful of Indigenous traditions, cultures, and contributions to Canada’s heritage, the trail now includes new interpretive panels depicting Kluane First Nations history and the building of the highway.
With 2017 also marking the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience Canada’s remarkable natural heritage and rich history at national parks and national historic sites this summer.
Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to plan their trips and discover new and exciting destinations in 2017 by consulting Parks Canada’s website, or downloading the NEW Parks Canada Mobile App, for a list of hidden gems and other unique and memorable ways to celebrate Canada 150.
Quotes
“As we celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, I am very proud to recognize the people, places, and events that shaped Canada. They tell the stories of who we are as a people, including our history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the construction of the Alaska Highway, to learn more about our rich and diverse history.”
The Honourable Larry Bagnell,
Member of Parliament for Yukon
“The Yukon government is pleased to be working with Parks Canada and the Kluane First Nation to mark the 75th anniversary of the completion of the iconic Alaska Highway. It is fitting that we mark this occasion as Canada commemorates the 150th anniversary of Confederation. These anniversaries provide an opportunity to deepen our sense of what it means to be Canadian and reinforce our pride in being Yukoners. At the same time, we recognize and celebrate the fact that First Nations heritage and culture predate these anniversaries.”
The Honourable Jeanie Dendys,
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Yukon
“The Kluane First Nation is pleased to be partnering with Parks Canada and the Yukon government for this special event. Soldier’s Summit is within Kluane First Nation Traditional Territory and holds a lot of significance for our citizens. The newly updated walking trail allows residents and visitors to learn more about the history of this area and the interpretive panels are translated into the local Southern Tutchone language.”
Bob Dickson,
Kluane First Nation Chief
Quick Facts
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The Soldier’s Summit Trail, on the shores of Kluane Lake, is located 1 km north of the Kluane National Park and Reserve Thachàl Dhäl Visitor Centre, and is a self-guided, interpretive trail with beautiful views overlooking Kluane Lake as well as interpretive panels with information on the construction of the Alaska Highway.
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The Kluane First Nation is located in the town of Burwash Landing on the shores of Kluane Lake.
Associated Links
Contacts
Gabriela Sgaga
Public Relations and Communications Officer, Yukon Field Unit
867-993-7228
gabriela.sgaga@pc.gc.ca
Stefanie Richardson
Communications, Government of Yukon
Department of Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
stefanie.richardson@gov.yk.ca