A new cultural gathering place, known as a Cultural Arbour, was unveiled Wednesday in Fort Providence, NWT.
The arbour is an outdoor, circular arena that is most often used for Métis and First Nation cultural activities and other community events. The space can hold up to 600 people.
“We are proud of this new facility and appreciate the federal investment to support cultural infrastructure development in our community,” said Samuel Gargan, mayor of the Hamlet of Fort Providence.
The project was funded entirely by money from the federal gas tax, which funnels $15 million in projects each year throughout the territory.
Funding from the gas tax can be spent on any eligible projects that have been set as a priority for the community.
Several well-known names attended the unveiling in Fort Providence, namely:
- Michael McLeod, member of parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi
- Michael Nadli, member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for Deh Cho
- Samuel Gargan, mayor of the Hamlet of Fort Providence
- Joachim Bonnetrouge, chief of the Deh Gáh Got’ie First Nation
- Clifford McLeod, president of the Fort Providence Métis Council
