Teslin Heritage Centre
Teslin, Yukon

A recipient of the 2002 Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Medal in Architecture, the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre marks the re-birth and affirmation of Tlingit culture in southern Yukon. Completed in 2001, the building draws its design from the temporary lean-to structures used to house the Inland Tlingit after their migration from the Pacific north coast. These early structures were constructed using locally available material: aspen, willow, animal hides and later imported fabrics.

Constructed using milled spruce and pine from Teslin Tlingit owned sawmill, building erection employed community-based carpenters and laborers. The centre is located on a bluff at the edge of Teslin Lake: a disturbed site formally used as an RV park and gas bar.

The 945 square metre building houses a great hall, elder's meeting area, Tlingit exhibit and artifact hall and outdoor artisan carving area. The great hall overlooks the lake and visually links building occupants to the spiritually significant mountains, known locally as the "Three Aces".