A few new housing projects led by the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government in Dawson City and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council in Whitehorse are getting $34.5 million in federal money, according to a federal government press release.
The funding is coming through the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated, an “Indigenous-led national housing organization,” as described in the press release.
A representative in communications for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government said the funding will go towards building an eight-unit elders’ complex, as well as two two-bedroom duplexes and a three-bedroom duplex in the C4 subdivision, in Dawson City.
The duplexes are intended to bring down waitlist numbers, according to information from the national housing organization.
Chief Darren Taylor spoke at a blessing for the new elders’ complex site on the corner of Third Avenue and York Street, which was livestreamed on Facebook via Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government on Aug. 29.
Taylor said honouring elders and making them a central part of the community is important for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in.
“This complex and its location will ensure that we continue to do that, and that we have mechanisms to allow our people to age in the community they have always known,” he said.
He added they will be surrounded by their family, friends and culture.
Taylor said the elders’ complex will offer supported living and independent living in addition to community space. He explained it’s located near the Chief John Jonas Centre so that residents can participate in community activities and access support.
In Whitehorse, the federal money will go towards Ta'an Kwäch'än Council projects: 25 single-detached homes to address “homelessness and affordability concerns” and 24 affordable townhouse units, a representative in communications for Ta'an Kwäch'än Council confirmed.
In total for 2023-24 and 2024-25, $9.8 million will pay for the elders' complex and $4.7 will go to the duplexes in Dawson City, while $10 million will be directed to each the 24-unit townhouse complex and the single-detached homes in Whitehorse, according to information from the national housing organization.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
