Thursday, August 22, 2024 Parks Canada, together with its partners, safeguards and showcases Canada’s national historic sites, parks, and marine conservation areas. This collaboration allows people to explore and connect with history and nature while supporting the economic vitality of local and regional communities. Today, Dr.
Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, together with the Honourable Richard Mostyn, acting Minister of Highways and Public Works for the Government of Yukon, and with the support of the Honourable John Streicker, Minister of Tourism and Culture for the Government of Yukon, announced the transfer of the Former Territorial Courthouse National Historic Site and the Red Feather Saloon lands in Dawson City from Parks Canada to the Government of Yukon. Dr. Hanley made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
This transfer ensures the best future use and continued protection of the Former Territorial Courthouse National Historic Site while maintaining the Red Feather Saloon’s essential role in visitor programming and territorial services in Dawson City, located within the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory. Heritage assets in the Klondike are a diverse mosaic spread across the Dawson region, with multiple designations and ownership by various entities, including Parks Canada, the Government of Yukon, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Dawson City, and private individuals and groups. Many of these buildings are actively used to tell the story of the gold rush and its aftermath, while others are vital to preserving the character of Dawson City’s streetscape and providing much-needed housing and office space.
A key element of the Klondike National Historic Sites’ management plan, approved in 2018, is developing a sustainable model for managing assets in and around Dawson City. Parks Canada has been collaborating closely with partners to identify which properties are essential to its mandate and should remain under federal ownership and administration, and which properties, though still significant, could benefit from different ownership and use models. In 2021, Parks Canada and the Government of Yukon signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore options for ensuring long-term sustainable heritage stewardship.
These transfers demonstrate how collaborative governance can revitalize heritage assets, allowing Canadians to continue learning about the places, people, and events that have shaped Canadian history while also contributing to broader regional use and a vibrant community. Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon “By collaborating with partners and stakeholders, we’re paving the way for sustainable long-term stewardship of historic assets that are a part of Klondike National Historic Sites.
The transfer of the Former Territorial Courthouse and Red Feather Saloon is a testament to years of effort from individuals dedicated to the continued preservation and presentation of the Yukon’s rich history.” Hähkè Darren Taylor, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in “Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government congratulates Parks Canada on its good stewardship of these important historic sites, in particular on its recent efforts to partner with our nation to tell a more complete story of the impacts of colonialism on our traditional territory and Citizens. We look forward to continuing this type of work with the Government of Yukon, and our doors are always open to collaboration on cultural programming that leads to a better understanding of our shared history.
” The Honourable Richard Mostyn Acting Minister of Highways and Public Works “This transfer highlights the Yukon government’s commitment to collaborating with our partners to ensure the efficient stewardship of heritage buildings for future generations of Yukoners. By safeguarding, managing and maintaining these historic buildings, we are not only honouring our past but also supporting Dawson City by preserving its unique and rich character for years to come.” The Honourable John Streicker Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Yukon “Today marks a significant milestone in preserving an important chapter in the rich heritage of both Dawson City and the Yukon.
This transfer is a testament to our commitment to protecting and honouring important historical landmarks, ensuring these iconic structures will be maintained and celebrated. I look forward to visitors and Yukoners alike immersing themselves in the diverse history and culture of our territory, experiencing these incredible buildings firsthand.”.
