Funding of $5.3 million was announced Friday for the second phase of the Carcross-Tagish First Nation learning centre.

The federal and Yukon governments say the investment in modern public infrastructure will help create jobs and build a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell, representing Amarjeet Sohi, the federal minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Premier Darrell Pasloski made the announcement in Carcross.

The money will finance the second phase of construction of the learning centre, which includes new spaces for the community: the Yukon College space, the youth and elders space, the heritage and archives space, the document management system space and the learning space.

The learning centre will be a central gathering place for the community and provide a number of community services to First Nation citizens.

It will also benefit the local community by creating jobs, promoting skill development and supporting economic growth.

Ottawa will provide up to $3,975,000 to the project through the Small Communities Fund. The territorial government will contribute up to $1,325,000.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates Canada’s commitment to working closely with Yukon to meet the unique needs of communities across the territory,” said Bagnell.

“By offering significant funding for a wide range of infrastructure projects, indigenous and other Canadian communities will benefit from investments that promote sustainable development while helping grow the middle class.

“The learning centre will offer residents of Carcross-Tagish First Nation many opportunities to connect with each other, while ensuring a high quality of life for generations to come.”

“Our partnership with Canada is helping build modern and efficient infrastructure that is creating local jobs now and contributing to the long-term sustainability of Yukon communities,” said Pasloski.

“We look forward to the important role that the learning centre will play as a gathering place for the Carcross-Tagish First Nation, as a location where citizens can acquire new skills and as a new destination event venue for the community of Carcross and Yukon.”

Andy Carvill, the First Nation’s chief, called the funding “monumental, and will provide citizens of our First Nation, as well as the extended community, an opportunity to learn about, share and uphold our language, culture, and traditions.”