City of Quesnel/Lhtako Dene Nation working together on an Indigenous Cultural Centre

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

The City and Quesnel and Lhtako Dene Nation have partnered to create a shared vision of an Indigenous Cultural Centre. If successful, this joint project will create a functional community space that will promote and celebrate local Indigenous culture.

The Cultural Centre concept first emerged during discussions with Lhtako Dene prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Lhtako Dene Nation and the City of Quesnel in 2017. The Indigenous Cultural Centre is a joint project between the City of Quesnel and Lhtako Dene Nation.

Funds from Cariboo Strong, Carbioo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, and BC Rural Dividend are being used to retain Formline Architecture to complete the initial design and to hire a consultant to produce a business case for the Centre.

Formline Architecture is an award-winning architecture firm located in BC. The company is founded by Alfred Waugh one of the few registered Indigenous Architects in Canada. The studio specializes in working on environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive projects that reflect and reinforce the values and visions of the client. View their portfolio here: www.formline.ca.

In developing the concept, Formline Architecture has held consultations with the Lhtako Dene Nation, the City of Quesnel, and potential partners who would utilize the centre. Two visioning workshops have been held to ensure many voices and ideas were heard.

The proposed location for the Centre is at Ceal Tingley Park at the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers. This site is significant to Lhtako Dene as it was the location of a large settlement and it is also the site of first European contact. The current River Front Trail will be incorporated into the site plans.

The Centre will provide a local home for Lhtako Dene artifacts (currently stored at UBC), and will serve as a community gathering place. The shared vision for the Centre is a place for the whole community. The proposed concept includes a potential theatre space, gift shop, bistro, accessible washrooms, and space to display local art and larger pieces of significance.

Quesnel City Council has approved funds to order a quantity survey for the proposed Indigenous Cultural Centre. Once the quantity survey is complete and the project cost is known, the City of Quesnel and Lhtako Dene Nation will prepare a grant application for funding.

Chief Clifford Lebrun from the Lhtako Dene Nation stated:

“It is exciting that we can come together as local communities to enjoy such a wonderful facility.”

While Bob Simpson, the Mayor of Quesnel also said:

“This is an incredible opportunity for us to demonstrate true reconciliation while celebrating the significance of our First Nations heritage at a location that is historically and culturally significant to the Lhtako Dene and Southern Carrier people.”