The Sundog Carving Studio will be home to the Cultural Resilience program thanks to a $2.4-million, five-year program announcement from the federal government this morning.

Yukon Senator Dan Lang brought the news to the territory on behalf of federal Public Safety Minister Vic Toews during a news conference at Sundog's Fourth Avenue home.

"This government is committed to preventing crime and building stronger communities,” Lang said in a statement.

"We are taking action to achieve real results in the fight to tackle crime in our streets. The funding announced today will support an important project that will help at-risk youth make better choices and prevent further involvement in criminal activity.”

The new program will see staff at the Northern Cultural Expressions Society, better known as Sundog Carving, work with at-risk first nation youth who have been through the justice system.

It will focus on carving and offering one-on-one counselling, cultural programming and resource development to help participants strengthen their social and emotional skills.

The program also aims to develop their artistic abilities, learn new coping skills and enhance their sense of self-worth, it was stressed by Lang and Amanda Mudry, president of Northern Cultural Expressions.

Lang praised the programs offered through Sundog since it opened its doors in 2004.

"This is truly a remarkable program,” the senator said.

He emphasized the multi-policy efforts of the federal government in crime reduction, including moves toward stiffer sentences and penalties for criminals while at the same time working to prevent crime.

That means supporting community-based crime prevention programs.

The goal of the Cultural Resilience initiative is to steer vulnerable young people away from the streets and crime.

"That's the purpose of our announcement today,” Lang said. He later cited a study showing that art can save lives and offer alternatives to destructive behaviour.

"Together, we will make our communities safer,” he said.

Territorial Justice Minister Marian Horne was also quick to throw her praise on the carving studio. She pointed to the Yukon government's commitment to work with Ottawa on programs like those at Sundog which encourage healthy lifestyles.

To that end, she said, the Yukon government invests $345,000 annually into Sundog's initiatives.

She's seen the impact Sundog has had on many lives as students there have gained confidence and pride in themselves as they become more skilled in their artwork.

"Each one of us is like a carving,” she said.

Like a carving, being shaped and sculpted takes time, but the end result is beautiful, Horne explained.

"You have grown as carvers,” she told the artists who were at the centre this morning. She added she is pleased the federal government has come on board with funding for more programming through Sundog.

"I see a bright future for each one of you,” she told the carvers.

Ta'an Kwach'an Council Chief Brenda Sam also noted the many benefits that have come to local youth through Sundog's efforts. She welcomed to the first nation's traditional territory the approximately 30 people at the news conference.

Last summer, she said, she attended a Sundog carving camp and was so proud to see so many young carvers being mentored by elders.

She then wished Sundog continued success as it moves forward.

As the formal part of the press conference wrapped up, officials were presented with artwork from Sundog carvers.