FOR RELEASE     #09-279
December 8, 2009

WHITEHORSE – Yukon First Nations heritage sector will benefit from $500,000 through the Northern Strategy Trust, Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Joe Linklater announced today.

The Heritage Training Certificate program and instruction will include capacity building for Yukon First Nations, skills development within the heritage sector and training programs targeted at First Nations communities and others, including museums, First Nations cultural and heritage centres and historic sites.

“Yukon First Nations are working to ensure that traditional lifestyles are protected through active participation and preservation of heritage resources and cultural traditions,” Taylor said. “The Yukon government is very proud to partner with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Yukon College and the Yukon First Nation Heritage Group on this important project.”

“Development of this program will build on current strong government to government partnerships,” said Linklater. “The heritage program will enable our people to manage cultural resources at a professional level. Heritage permeates every department and all aspects of our lives so a program that focuses on this area is very timely and essential.”

“The pilot Heritage Training Certificate program delivered by Yukon College will provide a foundation for those currently working in – or hoping to enter – the heritage and culture fields,” Yukon College vice president of education and training Karen Barnes said. “The certificate coursework will include a broad range of heritage-related topics that were identified through a previously conducted needs assessment. We’re pleased to add this certificate to the innovative slate of programming developed in response to Yukon First Nation training requests.”

For more information on the Heritage Training Certificate program at Yukon College, contact the First Nation Initiatives department at 867-668-8800 or 1-800-661-0504 or visit their website www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/about/pages/first_nation_initiatives.

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