Doig River First Nation’s Cultural Experience Centre takes shape

ROSE PRAIRIE, B.C. — Doig River First Nation (DRFN) has provided an update on the construction of its new Cultural Experience Centre.

A Facebook post from December 5th shows foundation work already underway, with crews pushing forward despite the early winter cold.

Thomas Whitton, DRFN’s Cultural and Heritage Manager, says the state-of-the-art facility will have a “trade shop” feel.

He adds that the DRFN chief and council have had this project in the plans for “a long time.”

“It’s really meant for two aspects,” said Whitton, described as a “champion” of the project. 

“For traditional activity knowledge passing amongst the community, and for elders to youth passing on those traditional activities that may not be able to get passed on or have not been.”

“It’s a place for youth and elders to come together and pass on traditional knowledge like hide-making and beading. All the activities the Dane Zaa people have done for thousands of years.”

When constructed, the 30 x 40-foot space will have “all the amenities you can imagine” and will feature outdoor fire pits in a heated area.

This will allow moose hide-making workshops to be conducted 365 days per year, according to Whitton.

“Embracing the culture and the heritage out there allows youth to get involved in ways that they wouldn’t necessarily have those opportunities,” said Whitton.

It will also be open to cultural events, allowing the general public to glimpse into the culture of the Dane Zaa people.

The project received funding from industry partners and the First People’s Cultural Council’s Heritage Infrastructure Project Grant program.

The program provides up to $250,000 in funds that conserve, repair or develop Indigenous culture, according to the organization’s website.

The goal is for the facility to be dedicated by Doig Days, scheduled for May 2025.

More information and updates will be available through DRFN’s Facebook Page.