Northern Development Initiative Trust’s board of directors has approved a $250,000 grant to fund the construction of the Lheidli T’enneh Aboriginal Pavilion in downtown Prince George in time for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
From February 13 to March 1 2015, the City of Prince George and northern B.C. will host 2,350 athletes, hundreds of media and thousands of visitors for the 2015 Games. The event will be the largest multi-sport and cultural event ever to be held in northern B.C., and will generate an economic impact of more than $90 million for the region. The goal of the Aboriginal Pavilion is to increase the visibility of the Lheidli T’enneh and contribute to the 2015 Canada Winter Games experience while showcasing the artistic, business and cultural expressions of the Official Host First Nation.
The 2015 Canada Winter Games will be held within the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh. As the Official Host First Nation of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, the Lheidli T’enneh recognize the unparalleled opportunity the Canada Games affords to build awareness and understanding of their culture.
The proposed Aboriginal Pavilion project aims to create an attractive venue in downtown Prince George for hosting and providing hospitality opportunities during the 2015 Games. The project will generate direct economic benefits for the Lheidli T’enneh through the use of the building as a multi-purpose events and retail space. The pavilion will be comprised of a main hall for programming and performances, a reception area for events and meals, a retail centre for the sale of Aboriginal merchandise and art, a protocol space for project meetings and a green room for performer staging space. The pavilion will be constructed at 6th Avenue and Dominion Street.
The grant for the pavilion is provided through the Trust’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program, which provides up to $250,000 in funding to municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and non-profit organizations in Northern Development’s service area for projects that significantly strengthen the local economy via a major capital investment. Construction of the Lheidli T’enneh Aboriginal Pavilion is expected to begin this year.
Quotes:
“The 2015 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport and cultural event to ever be held in northern B.C. The Trust is proud to support the construction of the Lheidli T’enneh Aboriginal Pavilion to aid in enhancing Canada’s awareness of the artistic, business and cultural expression of our Host First Nation,” said Evan Saugstad, Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust.
“Lheidli T’enneh is very pleased with the funding announcement from Northern Development Initiative Trust, and can truly see the positive impacts to our community! This is an incredible opportunity that will allow us to have a building for the Lheidli T’enneh Pavilion for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. This is an exciting time for us and we are truly grateful,” said Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dominic Frederick.
Quick Facts:
• The 2015 Canada Winter Games will be held within the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh
• Funds will be generated through community and private events, meeting space rentals, office rentals, catering, retail store sales, and cultural and interpretive centre ticket sales
• The Lheidli T’enneh Aboriginal Pavilion is anticipated to host a variety of events including meetings, conferences, entertainment and performances, weddings and community dinners
• From February 13 to March 1, 2015, Lheidli T’enneh, Prince George and northern B.C. will play host to 2,350 athletes, hundreds of media and thousands of visitors
•The 2015 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport and cultural event to ever be held in northern B.C. and is forecasted to generate an economic impact of over $90 million
Contact:
Joel McKay
Director, Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
joel@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
Phone: 250-561-2525
