The Prince Rupert Port Authority and the Chiefs of the Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla bands announced today plans that could see a cultural pavilion constructed on the Prince Rupert waterfront
According to a statement from the group, the first phase of the project is to meet with stakeholders and the community to define the concept and goals of the centre, which would “provide a dynamic and unique visitor experience that builds on the 10,000 year plus legacy of Tsimshian First Nations and could provide a portal to the rich and diverse cultural tourism opportunities Prince Rupert has to offer for visitors”.
“The Coast Tsimshian culture is a unique point of differentiation for Prince Rupert and it makes sense to develop and profile this to strengthen Prince Rupert as a destination and for the benefit of the community at large,” said Prince Rupert Port Authority president and CEO Don Krusel.
“The pavilion could provide a valuable education facility not only for the visitors to Prince Rupert but for [our] own people. It could highlight the uniqueness of our Tsimshian arts, crafts and culture and provide an important conduit to other opportunities in Prince Rupert,” said Lax Kw’alaams chief Garry Reece and Metlakatla chief Harold Leighton in a joint statement.
To help with the development of the pavilion, the group has engaged Te Taru White, a noted cultural tourism centre developer from New Zealand, to lead the concept development through a series of workshops and consultations to give a sense of ownership to stakeholders and the community.
“Too often architects and designers take control of this aspect with a result that bricks and mortar becomes the focus rather than people, functionality and visitor experience. It is intended that key stakeholders and the wider community will be kept informed and updated as part of the process,” said White.
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