This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government
On July 27, the Government of Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government signed the updated management plan for the Gindèhchik / Rampart House and Zheh Gwatsàl / LaPierre House historic sites.
The ceremony included remarks from Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost and Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker, the unveiling of a plaque officially dedicating Gindèhchik / Rampart House as a Yukon Historic Site as well as a self-guided tour of the site.
Informed by extensive community engagement, the updated plan will guide the protection, conservation and interpretation of the heritage resources at the Gindèhchik / Rampart House and Zheh Gwatsàl / LaPierre House historic sites for the next decade. The plan includes increased recognition of the Gwich’in language and cultural history and aims to build local capacity by employing Vuntut Gwitchin citizens in its implementation. It also takes into consideration current and predicted future uses of the sites, infrastructure development, regional economic opportunities, and opportunities related to conservation and interpretation of the sites.
Other highlights include:
- the addition of a Vision Statement and a Statement of Significance;
- the creation of a historic resources inventory and new management zones to assist in better protecting, preserving and interpreting the overall character and features in each zone; and
- an updated action plan and budget for activities.
Rampart House and LaPierre House have been combined into one Management Plan for practical reasons and for their shared historic association. By having the sites managed jointly, planning and resources can be shared between the two sites according to needs and management plan priorities.
On Thursday, we signed the plan for Gindèhchik / Rampart House and Zheh Gwatsàl / LaPierre House historic sites, marking a significant milestone in preserving our shared Yukon heritage as well as our government’s commitment to working in partnership with Yukon First Nations. The actions outlined in the plan will support the preservation and interpretation of these sites over time with a focus on strengthening recognition of the Gwich’in language and cultural history. Informed by what we heard from the community, it will also help build local capacity, protect our historic resources, and embrace new opportunities for conservation and interpretation.
Gindèhchik and Zheh Gwatsàl are special places to our Nation. Used by our ancestors for centuries for fishing, hunting and harvesting, these sites became important meeting places that helped build strong connections between Gwich’in and non-Gwich’in communities alike. Mahsi’ cho to all who contributed to this updated plan, in particular to our Elders who shared their memories and knowledge over the years and to our work crews who led on-the-ground restoration efforts. “Our family stories run through the land” and this updated plan will ensure that these sites are conserved so that they can continue to serve as a link between past, current and future times.
Gindèhchik/Rampart House and Zheh Gwatsàl/LaPierre House are exceptional sites that help preserve, share, and renew historical and contemporary stories important to Vuntut Gwich’in, the Yukon, and the North. We congratulate the governments of Vuntut Gwitchin and the Yukon and all the staff, committee members, and citizens who continue to work toward recognizing and stewarding them for future generations.
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A management plan provides long-range goals and objectives that guide the protection, conservation and interpretation of heritage/historic sites.
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The historic sites of Gindèhchik / Rampart House and Zheh Gwatsàl / LaPierre House are located within the Traditional Territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
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Gindèhchik / Rampart House is located on the north bank of the Porcupine River adjacent to the Canada-US border, downstream from Old Crow, and upstream from the Alaskan settlement of Fort Yukon.
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Zheh Gwatsàl / Lapierre House lies along the Bell River (formerly called the Rat River), 45 km from its confluence with the Porcupine River, and in the western foothills of the Richardson Mountains.
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Before colonial contact, these sites were favoured for fishing, hunting, and gatherings, later transforming into two of the earliest trading posts in the future Yukon Territory, where Gwich’in families engaged with fur traders, explorers, missionaries, and government officials, leading to significant changes in Gwich’in culture.
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The Gwich’in name for Rampart House is Gindèhchik, meaning “Fish Spear Creek Mouth.” Gindèh is the fish spear carried in the long-ago story of Ch’ataiiyuukaih and Ch’ii Choo.
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The Gwich’in name for LaPierre House is Zheh Gwatsàl, meaning “Small House.”
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The ceremony marked the designation of Gindèhchik / Rampart House as the twelfth Yukon Historic Site. The designation was supported by both the Vuntut Gwitchin and Yukon governments as per Schedule B chapter 13 of the Vuntut Gwitchin Final Agreement, which determines that Yukon shall establish Rampart House as a historic site under the Historic Resources Act, S.Y. 1991, c. 8. Zheh Gwatsàl / LaPierre House may be designated as a Yukon Historic Site at a future date.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@yukon.ca