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FOR RELEASE     #05-154
June 7, 2005

Takhini Elementary Students To Host Exchange From Ottawa

WHITEHORSE - This week the Takhini Elementary School grade seven class is hosting a group of grade seven and eight students from Elizabeth Park Public School in Ottawa, Ontario. 

Twenty-nine youth from Elizabeth Park Public School are visiting Whitehorse, for six days, as part of their involvement in YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada, a Greater Toronto YMCA program.

"We are very proud to welcome these Ontario youth to the Yukon," Minister of Education John Edzerza said. "This is a great opportunity for youth to experience other Canadian regions and it is a fantastic occasion for all the youth to learn from one another while exploring the rustic Yukon wilderness, our historical landmarks and our culture."

YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada promotes cross-cultural awareness and a sense of belonging among Canadian youth aged 12 to 18.  Travel costs are funded by the Government of Canada through Exchanges Canada.  During their stay in Whitehorse, the Elizabeth Park students are being housed at Takhini Elementary School.

"Among other activities, the Takhini and Elizabeth Park groups are visiting the MacBride Museum, the SS Klondike, the Yukon Territorial Legislature, Carcross, Haines Junction and Kluane National Park," Takhini Elementary principal Kelly Collins said.  "The students will have a chance to see a sled dog operation at Muktuk Kennels, take part in First Nations cultural activities at the Kwaday Dan Kenji camp near Champagne, and take in the Frantic Follies."

In addition, they are planning to visit Takhini Hot Springs, the Yukon Game Preserve, the Beringia Centre and tour Yukon Energy. 

"The Grade 7 class at Takhini would like to thank the Department of Education and all of the people and businesses of Whitehorse who provided support for this exchange," said Collins.

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 Contact:  
 Peter Carr  Clea Ainsworth
 Cabinet Communications Advisor  Communications Coordinator, Education
 (867) 667-8688  (867) 393-7102
 peter.carr@gov.yk.ca  clea.ainsworth@gov.yk.ca
   
 Kelly Collins  
 Principal, Takhini Elementary  
 (867) 667-3525