Work on Kêts’ádań Kų̀ in Burwash Landing moves forward as construction contract is awarded

Press Release

September 19, 2024

In the Southern Tutchone language of Kluane First Nation, Kêts’ádań Kų̀ [Kay-et-zah Dun-COO] means “house of learning”. In the coming years, it will be the name of the new school in Burwash Landing, a project that has been long anticipated by the community. The Government of Yukon recently awarded the construction contract to build the school, which will replace the aging Kluane Lake School in Destruction Bay.

The $26.9 million contract for the construction of Kêts’ádań Kų̀ has been awarded to GenMec ACL Inc. with $6.2 million, or 23% of total contract value, from the project being allocated to Yukon First Nations businesses through subcontracting opportunities. This approach reflects the Government of Yukon’s commitment to enhance economic outcomes for Yukon First Nations Citizens and businesses.

Kêts’ádań Kų̀, once complete, will provide a modern, beautiful learning environment for students within Burwash Landing. In addition to its educational role, Kêts’ádań Kų̀ will serve as a gathering space for the community’s current and future needs. This initiative represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation and continued collaboration with Yukon First Nations, fostering vibrant and healthy communities across the Yukon, where Yukoners have access to the services they need. The school is expected to welcome students in fall 2026.

This project is jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Yukon. To bring this important project to fruition, the Government of Canada is contributing just over $10.8 million through its Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the Government of Yukon will provide $21.6 million. The total investment for construction and project costs is just under $32.5 million.

Awarding this contract marks an exciting milestone, bringing the Kluane First Nation one step closer to realizing their longstanding request for a school in their community. Schools play a key role in the fabric of a community as a central hub that brings people together and enhances opportunities for learning and connection. By investing in schools, we’re building a brighter, healthier future for everyone.

Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke

We are excited to see the Kêts’ádań Kų̀ project moving forward with the awarding of the construction contract. This new school will give students the opportunity to thrive and grow within their own community while honouring Kluane First Nation’s vision. Together, we are creating a space where future generations can connect, learn and celebrate their culture.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

The awarding of the construction contract is exciting news for the Kêts’ádań Kų̀ in Burwash Landing. Construction of this school and gathering space will improve access to essential education and community resources for the Kluane First Nation and help us continue in the development of important infrastructure for northerners across the Yukon.

Member of Parliament for Yukon Dr. Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser

Education is a priority for the Lhù’ààn Mân ku Dań – the Kluane People. We have a well-documented history of how much we value the traditional and modern education of our people. We are pleased to have been able to partner with Yukon and Canada to make this vision a reality. Our ancestors will be smiling on us as we break ground on over a century request for a school in our community.

Kwänathi inlį (Chief) Bob Dickson

GenMec ACL is thrilled to bring our decades of construction expertise to the new school project in Burwash Landing, continuing our legacy of creating strong, vibrant communities and a school for everyone in the area to enjoy and benefit from for years to come.

GenMec ACL Inc. President Kevin Lamb

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada’s investment comes from the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.
• Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Over the past 6 years, the Government of Canada has invested more than $306 million in over 60 infrastructure projects across the Yukon under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
• During that period, over $47.4 billion has been invested in communities by Infrastructure Canada across the country to support world-class infrastructure projects.
• In February 2023, the Kluane Lake School community voted in a referendum to transition to the authority of the First Nation School Board beginning in the 2023–24 school year. Once completed, Kêts’ádań Kų̀ will be operated by the First Nation School Board and Kluane Lake School will be decommissioned by the Government of Yukon. All students enrolled in Kluane Lake School will be transferred to Kêts’ádań Kų̀.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Brittany Cross
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-4601
brittany.cross@yukon.ca

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