January 26, 1998 For Immediate Release

Plans to build a $10 million centre at Skidegate, Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) are to receive a major boost on Saturday, January 31, with the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration between six key education providers.

More than 500 people will take part in a traditional Haida potlatch in celebration of a signing ceremony hosted by the Skidegate Band Council and involving the Presidents or Vice-Presidents of The University of Northern British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Northwest Community College, Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, School District 50, and the Haida Gwaii-QCI Community Skills Centre.

The Memorandum will commit the education providers to identify and deliver services to establish the Qay'llnagaay Heritage Centre as an educational conduit of Haida Culture.

The Master Plan for the Qay'llnagaay development calls for the creation at Second Beach of a 68,000 square foot facility incorporating the Haida Gwaii Museum, the Bill Reid Arts Centre, the Qay'llnagaay Heritage Centre, a canoe centre, a hotel, and a restaurant.

Dr Charles Jago, President of the University of Northern British Columbia, said:

"Historians of the future may well see this signing as a pivotal event. The Qay'llnagaay development is visionary and will have a major impact both on the economy of Haida Gwaii and on the world's understanding of Haida culture. The University is excited to be involved in such a venture."

The detailed plan for the development has been drawn up by David Nairne and Associates and Henry Hawthorne. Preparatory infrastructure is currently under construction. The existing Haida Gwaii museum will be an integral part of the new development.