Grand opening of the Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ Traditional Camp at Porter Creek Secondary School

May 28, 2025

A new chapter in cultural education and community engagement begins today with the grand opening of the Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ Traditional Camp at Porter Creek Secondary School in Whitehorse. This innovative space brings Indigenous cultural programming to the school campus, fostering connection and learning for students and educators while serving as a valuable resource for the broader Whitehorse community.

The Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ project was awarded $100,000 from the Arctic Inspiration Prize, as well as an additional $23,500 and project management support from the Government of Yukon, helping to bring the vision to life.

The camp’s name – Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ – means “the learning house at Wild Rhubarb Creek”. It reflects both the traditional name for the Porter Creek area and the camp’s purpose as a place of cultural revitalization and community-centred learning. More than just a physical space, it is a symbol of respect for Yukon First Nations knowledge and a commitment to intergenerational teaching.

While other schools across the Yukon have outdoor classrooms or fire pits, this camp is the first facility purpose-built to deliver in-depth cultural programming. It will host community gatherings, traditional teachings from Yukon First Nations instructors, Knowledge-Keepers and Elders and land-based activities that are meaningfully integrated into the school’s curriculum.

Designed for immersion and inclusion, the camp offers students a unique opportunity to build cultural pride, deepen their understanding of Yukon Indigenous traditions and connect learning to the land in a powerful, hands-on way.

The Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ Traditional Camp is a powerful example of what can happen when youth voices, Indigenous knowledge and community come together. This space will support meaningful cultural learning and enrich the education journey of current and future students while strengthening community ties and cultural pride for generations to come.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

The Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ Traditional Camp has grown over the past three years through the passion and leadership of students who envisioned a space where learning is rooted in land, culture and connection. Their voices have shaped every part of this project, but we couldn’t have done it without the support of many dedicated Elders and community partners who share our vision for space where all our students can thrive and grow.

Artic Inspiration Prize Team Member Nicole Cross

Quick facts

• The Arctic Inspiration Prize is the largest annual prize in Canada. It inspires, enables and celebrates the achievements of the people of the North. The team that nominated this project was composed of current and former Porter Creek Secondary School students, school administration staff, Yukon First Nation Education Directorate advocates and a community Elder.
• The traditional camp includes the Yukon’s first modern Njel, a Southern Tutchone dwelling, which was designed and built by Elder Harold Johnson and Meta Williams, s.no Architecture and Hampton Construction. The enclosed fire pit was constructed by Tuya Construction and the hide poles were made by Copper Caribou.
• Porter Creek Secondary School will continue to build on the camp and plans to incorporate an outdoor kitchen and a smoke shack in the coming years.
• Each year, the Government of Yukon contributes $100,000 to the Arctic Inspiration Prize to ensure it continues to inspire, enable and celebrate the achievements of the people of the North.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Dana Clark
Communications, Education
867-332-3743
dana.clark@yukon.ca

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