WHITEHORSE – A site blessing and groundbreaking ceremony took place today at 10 Eldorado Drive in Whistlebend for the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) Family Preservation Wellness Centre.
The ceremony marked the start of the construction phase for the project which is slated for completion in fall 2024. The tender for the project closed in March and incorporated Yukon First Nations procurement principles. The contract was recently awarded to a joint venture between local companies Ketza Construction Corporation and Walker Home Construction. Walker Home Construction (WHC) is a Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizen owned and operated construction company which employs primarily First Nation citizens.
The 32-bed Centre will be the first Yukon First Nation-led shelter in the Yukon, addressing a critical gap in current services. The Centre will provide safe and secure temporary housing to families. The building will be operated and managed by the Council of Yukon First Nations and will feature an inherently Yukon First Nations design.
CYFN is working in collaboration with Yukon First Nations and Yukon women’s groups to ensure that the new Centre fits the needs of the community and addresses existing gaps. The Centre will provide vital culturally appropriate supports and services.
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The Council of Yukon First Nations is excited to mark the start of the construction phase for the Family Preservation Wellness Centre in a culturally appropriate way with a blessing ceremony. CYFN looks forward to working with general contractor joint venture partners Ketza Construction and Walker Home Construction as the successful bidder in a competitive process that incorporated Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy principles. – CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
For further information contact:
Roni-Sue Sparvier
Communications Advisor, Council of Yukon First Nations
P: 867.393.9200 ext. 9223 | C: 867.334.6753
cyfn.ca | communications@nullcyfn.net