Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre builds 'culture cabins'

The sound of construction can be heard on the waterfrontbehind the Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre in Whitehorse as three small huts are being built.

They're not tiny homes, but rather"culture cabins" that will serve as demonstration spaces for artists working on traditional crafts.

Tracy McPhee, executive director of the centre, saysartistswill be able to use the huts for varying lengths of time, from one day to perhaps an entire summer. She thinks the live demonstrations will be popular with visitors.

"We often have visitors and members of the community that come here and are very excited to see actual artists at work or elders demonstrating traditional pursuits, whether it be beading work or whether it be carving," she says.

McPheesays the plan is to unveil the huts duringNationalAboriginal Day celebrations on Jun.21.

Off grid, historicaldesign

The cabins will be powered by the sun, with a solar panel awning. McPhee says this may provide an educational opportunity todemonstratethe use of solar panels.

A log facadewill reflect thekinds of buildings that originallyoccupied the Whitehorse waterfront, says McPhee.

The cabins are part of the centre's overall "waterfront village"concept. In April, the centrereceived $80,700 from the Yukon government's Community Development Fund to build the huts, add aesthetic fencing andplanthe expansion of its sacred and medicinal gardens.