June 30th marked an important day for the survivors of a former residential school in Lower Post. 46 years to the day after the school closed in 1975, the Daylu Dena Council held an important gathering where Survivors shared their experiences as they watched a ceremonial demolition of the school, removing a constant reminder of a painful past.
The removal of this grievous memorial means the community can look toward the future construction of a multi-purpose building for the Kaska Dena. The planned new facility is designed around community needs to gather, celebrate and learn – and to support healing.
Since 1993, the Government of Canada has worked closely with Daylu Dena Council on environmental remediation of the former residential school site. From 2009 to 2021, approximately $3 million was provided to assess and remediate the site, and an additional $1.1 million was provided to remove hazardous materials and demolish the remaining structure.
The Government of Canada is investing $11.5 million, including $10 million from Infrastructure Canada and $1.5 million from Indigenous Services Canada, toward the community’s new multi-purpose building. The Government of British Columbia is investing $1.5 million and Daylu Dena Council is contributing $538,960.
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