The Lheidli T'enneh First Nation has asked Prince George city council to support the building of a structure that would serve as an ambassadorial site during the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
"We are excited to be a partner as the official host First Nation and we anticipate your assistance in the launch of a Lheidli T'enneh Pavilion for the 2015 Canada Winter Games," said LTFN chief Dominic Frederick. "As part of the centennial celebrations with the City of Prince George, Lheidli T'enneh would like to make a request that the City of Prince George designate property in the downtown core to assist us in our efforts to enhance Lheidli T'enneh's participation."
The letter did not specify future plans for the proposed pavilion, but discussions have revolved around a permanent downtown structure be built for Lheidli T'enneh cultural promotion and to serve as a Prince George headquarters for the band. The talks are being held on the 100th anniversary of when the members of the band were paid or forced to relocate from the area on which Prince George currently sits. The nation is now scattered to the rural outskirts of the city on the northeast and southeast sides of the Fraser River and the northwest and southwest sides of the Nechako River.
It has been suggested that a legacy structure started for the Games could act as a combination tourist attraction, off-reserve band office complex, and perhaps also housing or commercial space.
At this juncture, however, Frederick limited the request to Games purposes with an optimistic eye on the future.
"We see this as an excellent opportunity for both the City of Prince George and Lheidli T'enneh to engage, collaborate, and strengthen our existing relationship," he said.
A comprehensive partnership between the 2015 Canada Winter Games and the Lheidli T'enneh, the first of its kind in Canada Games history.
Mayor and council directed municipal staff to begin examining the details of the request.
