Canada, BC invest in Indigenous-focused construction projects

The governments of Canada and British Columbia have announced new supports for 13 Indigenous-led construction projects, including several infrastructure projects that will bring new learning and educational spaces to communities. Doig River First Nation will receive over $2M in combined funding to support the construction of the Tsaa? che ne Dane Cultural Education Centre. The new education centre will be accessible and will accommodate both in person and virtual learning. Tla’amin Nation will receive over $4M to construct the ¿¿ms ¿ay¿ (Our House) – Cultural Facility. The cultural centre will include features such as traditional cooking areas, a museum, and food and medicine gardens. First Nations such as the Kitselas First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band First Nation, and Xeni Gwet’in First Nation will be using the funding to update their community centres and introduce new cultural and gathering spaces. “It is incredible news and much needed,” said Xeni Gwet’in Chief Jimmy Lulua Monday. “Nemiah has not had a new building since the 1980s other than our health building.”