The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Importance of S.S. Keno and Dredge No. 4

November 25, 2017                      Dawson City, Yukon                                    Parks Canada

Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.

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, today commemorated the importance of S.S. Keno and Dredge No. 4 as sites of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held at the Dawson City Visitor Information Centre in Yukon with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the Premier of Yukon, the Mayor of Dawson City, and members of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. S.S Keno was part of the fleet that played a major role in the history of the Yukon Territory. It represents the importance of lake and river steamers in opening the territory to newcomers. S.S. Keno was built in 1922 by the British Yukon Navigation Company and for 29 years, this wood-burning, steam-powered vessel navigated Yukon waterways, connecting Northerners to the outside world until modern roads were developed.

Dredge No. 4 symbolizes the importance of Yukon’s gold dredging operations in Canada from 1899 to 1966. It is associated with the evolution of gold mining in the Klondike from the earliest labour intensive phase to the corporate industrial period. Built in 1912 by the Canadian Klondike Mining Company, this floating dredge was the largest wooden-hulled, bucket-line dredge in North America, working the gravels of the Klondike River Valley, as well as the goldfields for over 40 years.

This year also marks the centennial of national historic sites and Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage and discover truly Canadian stories with Parks Canada in 2017!