Plans are underway for an Indigenous Cultural Centre in Quesnel, according to a City of Quesnel press release, issued this morning (Nov. 22). Initial funds are being allocated to kick off the planning stages, as the City seeks additional funding to get the project off the ground.
The City of Quesnel and Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff) Nation are working together to create a community space that will promote and celebrate local Indigenous culture.
The Centre would house Lhtako Dené artifacts (which are currently stored at UBC), and will serve as a community gathering place. The proposed concept includes a potential theatre space, gift shop, bistro, accessible washrooms, and space to display local art.
The proposed location for the centre is at Ceal Tingley Park, at the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers. It’s a significant location for the Lhtako Dené, as it was the location of a large settlement and it is also the site of first European contact. The City says the River Front Trail will be incorporated into the site plans.
Chief Clifford Lebrun of the Lhtako Dené Nation said: “It is exciting that we can come together as local communities to enjoy such a wonderful facility.”
Architecture firm Formline Architecture is being retained to complete the initial design, using funds from Cariboo Strong, Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, and BC Rural Dividend. The funding is also allowing the City and Lhtako Dené to hire a consultant to produce a business case for the Centre.
Formline Architecture is an award-winning architecture firm located in B.C. The company is founded by Alfred Waugh, one of the few registered Indigenous Architects in Canada. The studio specializes in working on environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive projects that reflect and reinforce the values and visions of the client.
Formline Architecture has held consultations with the Lhtako Dené Nation, the City of Quesnel, and potential partners who would utilize the centre. “Two visioning workshops have been held to ensure many voices and ideas were heard,” says the City’s press release.
The news release says the Cultural Centre concept first emerged during discussions with Lhtako Dené prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the nation in 2017. Mayor Bob Simpson and last term’s council discussed the project at Union of B.C. Municipalities meetings in Whistler in September, hoping to access provincial funding.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to demonstrate true reconciliation while celebrating the significance of our First Nations heritage at a location that is historically and culturally significant to the Lhtako Dené and Southern Carrier people,” commented Quesnel Mayor Simpson.
Quesnel City Council has approved funds to order a quantity survey for the proposed Indigenous Cultural Centre. Once the quantity survey is complete and the project cost is known, the City of Quesnel and Lhtako Dené Nation will prepare a grant application for funding.
READ MORE: Council: what the next four years will bring
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