First Nation to build Carcross centre with local workers

Apprentice carpenters who worked on a tiny-house building project last year may have the opportunity to take part in the construction of a new multi-functional learning centre planned by their government, the Carcross Tagish First Nation.  

Nelson Lepine, director of infrastructure for the First Nation, says he's currently in talks with construction companies about a partnership that would employ the 15 apprentices.

The carpenters have been learning their trade through an initiative started by the First Nation — the tiny house project — organized by Thomas Shepherd. 

"I've seen people with an amazing amount of skill, a lot of strength, a lot of intelligence, a lot of life experience," Shepherd says. 

"Like anybody they'll continue to need good journeymen carpenter instructors to apprentice under."

He thinks the group is ready for the next challenge.

Lepine says it's the vision of the Carcross Tagish First Nation to help train and employ its own people. He is optimistic that all 15 apprentices will be on the job when construction of the facility begins later this year. 

Learning centre a place to celebrate, mourn

In addition to providing a range of recreational, social and cultural services to the community and to visitors, Lepine says the new learning centre will be a place to gather and to mourn. 

He says funerals are currently held at the local school gym and thinks that's hard on the young people. 

"You're trying to help your young people move forward and a relative had passed away two days before and they're sort of demanded to go play basketball in there," says Lepine. "There's psychological effects." 

He says the broader community will be welcome at the centre.

"We sort of see this as a whole Southern Lakes initiative, not just the First Nation."

The plan is for the learning centre to replace other aging facilities in Carcross. It will include a potlatch house and a special area for elders and will have capacity for 500 people.