Officials unveiled details Thursday for a new $2.5 million interpretive learning centre that will be built on Hollow Water First Nation.
Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson said the centre will help convey a sense of First Nations people's connection to the province's land, water and animals.
"This will be a place for aboriginal people to pass on the teachings of our ancestors in a way that honours this unique relationship by protecting the land for future generations," said Robinson in a media release.
Construction work on the Waabanong Anishinaabe Interpretive Learning Centre is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2011.
A non-profit corporation managed by both provincial and aboriginal representatives is leading the project, with an elders advisory council overseeing it, said officials. The province is providing the $2.5 million in funding.
The centre will include multimedia exhibits and workshops at the Hollow Water site, which is considered the gateway to Manitoba's east side and its boreal forest, said provincial officials.
In the future, the site will also include four-season cabins and a tipi village.
Premier Greg Selinger said construction work on the project will include provisions to ensure area residents have access to jobs from the work.
Hollow Water officials said they're hopeful the project will provide employment opportunities in both construction and tourism.
- with a report from CTV's Jeremy Hunka
