Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation in Kakisa received federal funding to construct an outdoor area for ceremonies and gatherings.
“One of our dreams, here in the community is to have a center like that,” said Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation Chief Lloyd Chicot at a virtual press conference. “We also go on community hunts and so there’s a chance for people to gather there to cook food.”
The Kakisa Cultural Arbour Centre received $225,000 from the federal government, while the community is contributing $75,000.
A press release says the work involves construction and landscaping.
Paulie Chinna, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, wouldn’t say if Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation’s economic arm, Noda Enterprises, would get priority to work on the project.
“We will follow up with the community for further plans on how they’re going to be looking at the landscape for that area,” she said.
Other funding projects include Hay River receiving $225,000 for a study on its water treatment plant.
The community faced numerous boil water advisories throughout the summer of 2020.
“Climate change and the water levels on the Great Slave Lake have definitely affected our water,” said Mayor Kandis Jameson, “so this is really good news for the town to be able to move forward as quickly as possible on the project.”
The town is also contributing $225,000 towards the project.
The announcement was made by NWT MP Michael McLeod, and federal infrastructure minister Catherine McKenna.
The NWT is receiving $2 million for a variety of projects from federal government, while the recipients are contributing a total of $835,000.
Other projects:
- Town of Fort Smith is receiving $309,791 for a trail and basketball court resurfacing and is contributing $103,264 for the project.
- Village of Fort Simpson received $288,750 for rehabilitation of the insulation system in the outdoor pool and is contributing $96,250 towards the project. The village received an additional $262,500 for the installation of a new community splash park, a new playground and a new gathering area and contributed $87,500.
- The Inuvialuit Communications Society received $185,625 for upgrades to the Tusaayaksat building. The organization contributed $61,875 to the project.
- The town of Inuvik received $562,500 to rehabilitate the pool at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. The town is contributing $187,500 to the project.
