DAWSON CITY – The official opening of the new Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Men’s House, Jëje Zho in Hän, took place last Thursday afternoon next to its address, 1217 Second Ave., beside the Chief John Jonas Centre.

The formal event occurred on the grounds of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Community Hall (Äłät Nëhëjël) next door on Front Street.

As indicated in several press releases, “The Jëje Zho … is a two-storey building that has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate elements that hold importance to our ancestors and culture.

“Recognizing the significance of housing as a key social determinant of health, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in aims to ensure that all our citizens feel safe and have housing security.

“The building draws inspiration from traditional fish drying racks, canoe designs, local forest environments, as well as the salmon and ochre rocks found in our traditional territory.”

These elements’ incorporation pays homage to Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in heritage while creating a welcoming and familiar environment, the First Nation said.

“The Jëje Zho serves multiple purposes, including emergency intake for men needing temporary accommodation, beds for men entering programs provided by the Jëje Zho, and highly supported living arrangements. It also acts as a transition housing facility for Phase 1, where individuals can live more independently while still acquiring necessary life skills and readiness for Phase 2 transition housing.”

The event opened with a prayer by TH elder Doris Roberts, and continued with a presentation of several songs by the Hän Singers and Dancers.

Jeff Shannon, the director of the Department of Justice with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government , served as the MC to introduce the various speakers, beginning with TH Deputy Chief Erin McQuaig

McQuaig began by acknowledging the work that former chief Roberta Joseph and council put into achieving the project over a two-year period.

“This amazing building would not have come to fruition without their support.”

There was a previous men’s shelter, but it lacked the space and design to be truly effective. This building and program, McQuaig said, has benefited from the knowledge gained from studying the shortcomings of the former centre.

The new building has eight residential units with up to 11 beds, offering first-stage transitional units and three emergency shelter beds.

On the second floor, there are supported living units and an outreach office, while the first-floor houses three emergency shelter beds and support offices.

As someone with a background in providing assistance, McQuaig found it remarkable that TH has incorporated so many options into the one facility.

“It will provide onsite care for addictions, preparation for detoxification and support during treatment, and aftercare, harm reduction and mental health supports.”

There are spaces within the building for cultural programming, as well as space for a sacred fire.

“Funding for this project came from the Governments of Yukon and Canada and the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition,” McQuaig said.

“I also wish to acknowledge the collaborative relationship with the City of Dawson which resulted in a successful design.”

Discussions between TH and the City of Dawson related to the design were sometimes tense, and compromises were made by both parties to achieve a final impressive result.

Tracy-Anne McPhee, the minister of Justice and Health and Social Services, expressed herself both in person and in a press release.

“The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people have shown tremendous leadership, fostering economic growth, social well-being and environmental steward-ship within their traditional territory,” McPhee said.

“Their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for their citizens, promoting sustainable development and strengthening community resilience is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to us all.

“We see this with today’s moving opening of Jëje Zho, an inclusive, barrier-free shelter that will help serve unhoused and precariously housed men.”

Jëje Zho also provides on-site care and support for substance use and mental wellness, the minister added.

“Our government is proud to help support this facility, alongside our partners in the federal government.”

The Yukon Housing Corporation’s Housing Initiatives Fund invested $900,000 in the project.

McPhee noted that the lingering effects of COVID-19, as well as the two floods experienced in the Klondike Valley this past spring, served to underline the need for his kind of project.

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I express my congratulations and our commitment to continue working together to implement these agreements,” McPhee said.

“I look forward to deepening our relationship and achieving more milestones together in the years to come.”

The final speaker was Catherine Pak, senior specialist, Indigenous and Northern Housing Solutions at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC).

“It is our privilege at CMHC, to support the construction of Jëje Zho,” Pak said.

“Today is a day of celebration. Today is about you, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community, the people of Dawson City and all of the great partners who have come together to help those in greatest need.

“Today is also about the men, in their new homes and a future for them,” Pak added.

“When I look at these homes I see the strength of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government, your vision for a better future for everyone, and the power of what for picking us, at CMHC, to be your partner in housing and allowing us to be part of this journey.”

She gave kudos to Joseph and the previous council, TH staff, the City of Dawson, Artemis Consulting, Taylor Architecture Group, and Wildstone Construction.

After the speeches there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the building, followed by light catering and music by Kevin Barr.

– With files from by Betty Davidson