Lhtako Dene and City of Quesnel move forward in reconciliation

Joint Release of City of Quesnel/Lhtake Dene First Nations:

Quesnel City Council has agreed to return the land at Ceal Tingley Park to Lhtako Dene Nation for the proposed Lhtako Dene Indigenous Cultural Centre project. This site, at the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel rivers is significant to the Lhtako Dene as the site of a major settlement. This site is also historically significant as the site of first contact with European explorers when Alexander Mackenzie first travelled through the area, and later, with Simon Fraser as he journeyed down the Fraser River. Lhtako Dene has submitted an application to the Invest in Canada Infrastructure grant in the Rural and Northern Communities stream. This grant will provide up to 100% funding for indigenous, off-reserve projects like the Cultural Centre. The application included letters of support from the City of Quesnel, Cariboo Regional District, Southern Dakelh Nations Alliance, School District 28, University of Northern British Columbia, College of New Caledonia, and West Fraser. The transfer of land ownership will occur once funding is in place for the project. Lhtako Dene and the City of Quesnel are committed to seeing the project through, and will continue to seek funding opportunities. Quick Facts: Plans for the 18,000 square foot Lhtako Dene Indigenous Cultural Centre include an archival space to house repatriated local indigenous artifacts, a 250 seat community assembly space, art gallery, gift shop, and café The proposed concept is designed to meet LEED Platinum Standards, with a living roof to maintain the natural feel of the space. The concept design was completed by Alfred Waugh, owner and principal architect of Formline Architecture, in consultation with the Lhtako Dene community, with administrative support provided by City of Quesnel. Formline Architecture is a 100% indigenous owned architecture firm, based in West Vancouver. Past projects include the award-winning UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, First Peoples House at the University of Victoria, and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. For more information about the proposed Indigenous Cultural Centre, visit www.quesnel.ca/indigenous-cultural-centre