Brendan Hanley

MP Hanley announces an investment supporting Yukon First Nation artists to build capacity and bring their work to new markets

August 9, 2024

August 2, 2024 – Whitehorse, Yukon – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency The cultural industries are a cornerstone of the Yukon’s economy, driving employment and retail sales and enriching the territory’s cultural tourism landscape. They are also essential for community development and the preservation of cultural heritage. On behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister of PrairiesCan and CanNor, I announced a significant investment by the Government of Canada: over $114,000 will be directed to the Northern Cultural Expressions Society (NCES). This funding will support NCES’s three-year Market and Export Readiness project, which aims to provide First Nations artists in the Yukon with critical business training. This includes developing marketing strategies, creating websites, and establishing frameworks to help artists scale up and penetrate both domestic and international markets. This investment exemplifies the Government of Canada’s commitment to fostering the growth and diversification of the Yukon’s cultural industries. By opening new market opportunities for Yukon First Nations artists, we are not only enhancing the economic vitality of their communities but also contributing to a more diverse and inclusive economy. Quick Facts: The funding is provided through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency’s Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) Program. IDEANorth supports economic infrastructure, sector development, and capacity building to enable Northerners to leverage Canada’s innovation economy. NCES is a Whitehorse-based non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing young Indigenous artists by providing training, wellness programs, and other resources. Additionally, NCES operates a retail store that showcases the work of its artists.