Skateboard Park Grand Opening

FOR RELEASE
September 14th 2018

Grand Opening of the Skateboard Park; Yáan át l`óon gooch Look out hill

Carcross/Tagish First Nation is excited to announce the Grand Opening of the new community skateboard park this Saturday, September 15th 2018. Located behind the RCMP detachment building in Carcross, C/TFN Citizens and visitors will now be able to enjoy the new skateboard park. 

The skateboard park is seen as a catalyst to support healthy activities for youth, a gathering place for all community members and visitors to build friendships, self-confidence and community pride. It is our hope that the skate park will host skateboard competitions in the future, and presently display rotating traditional and contemporary art that depict traditional Carcross/Tagish First Nation stories and contemporary graffiti representing a bridging of the past and future.  

As a part of the agenda for the Grand Opening, Skate For Life members will conduct skate and BMX clinics, Splintered Craft youth members will be performing Hip Hop and guide youth in turntable techniques as well graphic art painting. BYTE staff will also be actively engaged with youth in activities and game.

This community project would have not been possible without the help of many. The main funders of the new skateboard park are; the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Government of Canada who provided $149,578 toward this project, Government of Yukon and the Carcross Recreation Board.

Also thank you to C/TFN Citizens Gary Johnson and Ted James for the creation of the skate park logo. C/TFN Elder Winnie Atlin provided the name in Tlingit; Yáan át l`óon gooch Look out hill. Youth and C/TFN staff participated in the construction and design of the park.

Quotes

Khà Shâde Hení Andy Carvill, Carcross/Tagish First Nation

“Our community envisioned this skateboard park for a very long time and we are very thrilled to see this project come to life. Our community needs more space for Youth activities which can lead to healthier lifestyles.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

“Youth recreational facilities are at the heart of small communities across Canada’s North. These spaces bring young people together to socialize and enjoy healthy pursuits. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in this skateboard park that brings together traditional Indigenous culture and modern skateboard culture.”

Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai

“The Government of Yukon is pleased to contribute to the new skateboard park through the Community Development Fund and Small Capital Projects Fund. This investment in the community provides a space for youth to be active, develop skills and express their culture through art. I want to congratulate the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, all funding partners and the dedicated youth who made this vision a reality.”