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tr’ondek hwech’in cultural centre, whitehorse, yukon territory
(now called "Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre")
In an ironic twist of history the Tr'ondek Hwech'in received funding for the construction of its cultural centre as part of the centennial celebration of the Klondike Gold Rush, the event that brought so much misery to its people.
Naturally, this building was exempt from compliance with Dawson City's historic design guidelines. By placing the building on the dyke above the Yukon River, separate it from historic Dawson by Front Street, a dialogue of cultures rather than a clash was created, and the building could face the river that was the Tr'ondek Hwech'in's traditional travelling route and provider of food. The design involved significant community consultation and cultural research.
The design tried to express the cultural heritage of a nomadic people in a modern, permanent structure, without being literal. It has since become a symbol for the First Nation's will to survive as a culture and reassert their presence in Dawson City.
BC Lieutenant Governor's Award for Architecture 1999.
Architect of record: Florian Maurer Architect Ltd.
built