Our Priorities

Shaping The Future of The Yale Historic Site

The Yale Historic Site is more than a window into the past. It is a place of

learning, reflection, and growth. As we honour the rich and complex history of Yale and the Fraser Canyon, we are also looking ahead, ensuring that this site remains relevant, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.

Our priorities reflect our commitment to truth and reconciliation, environmental responsibility, community engagement, and innovation. Through these efforts, we strive to create a space where history is told with honesty, where visitors feel a deep connection to the stories of the past, and where the site continues to evolve as a vibrant cultural destination.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

We acknowledge that the Yale Historic Site sits on the traditional territory of 20 distinct First Nations groups. In alignment with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), we are committed to meaningful reconciliation. We actively work with Indigenous communities to ensure their voices, histories, and perspectives are central to our storytelling. Through collaboration, respectful consultation, and new initiatives, we aim to honour Indigenous knowledge, support cultural revitalization, and present a fuller, more accurate history of Yale and the Fraser Canyon. Our commitment extends to education, repatriation efforts, and ensuring Indigenous representation in exhibits and programming, fostering a space of learning, truth, and respect for all visitors.

Reconciliation in Action at The Yale Historic Site

Amplifying Indigenous Voices tn Interpretation

We work closely with the Yale First Nation, and Nations from the Nlaka’pamux and Stó:lō peoples to ensure their histories, traditions, and perspectives are accurately and respectfully represented. This includes updating exhibits, signage, and tour narratives to better reflect Indigenous histories that have long been excluded, creating a more accurate historic site.

Implementing Free, Prior & Informed Consent (FPIC)

We are committed to upholding the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) by working directly with Indigenous communities when curating exhibits that feature their cultural heritage. Any artifacts, stories, or images related to Indigenous history will only be displayed with proper permissions and context, ensuring respectful and ethical representation.

Supporting Indigenous Cultural Revitalization

The Yale Historic Site is dedicated to supporting Indigenous cultural revitalization by offering programming and events that celebrate Indigenous languages, traditions, and histories. We aim to provide a space for Indigenous-led storytelling, ceremonies, and community gatherings, fostering an environment where cultural knowledge can be shared and preserved.

Employment & Leadership Opportunities

We are proactively recruiting and supporting Indigenous staff, particularly from Nlaka’pamux and Stó:lō Nations and the Yale First Nation, to ensure Indigenous perspectives are reflected within our operations. Beyond hiring, we are committed to ensuring Indigenous voices are included in decision-making roles, strengthening representation in leadership at the site.

Education & Training For Staff & Visitors

To foster a culture of reconciliation and awareness, all employees and volunteers at the Yale Historic Site will participate in cultural awareness and reconciliation training. Additionally, we will develop public programs that educate visitors on Indigenous perspectives of the Gold Rush and Yale’s history, encouraging a deeper understanding of diverse narratives.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Preserving history goes beyond protecting buildings and artifacts. It also means protecting the land and environment for future generations. We are committed to making the Yale Historic Site a leader in sustainable heritage management. By reducing our environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and working toward becoming a carbon-neutral site, we are ensuring that the legacy of Yale is preserved in a way that respects the planet. Through thoughtful conservation efforts and forward-thinking initiatives, we aim to balance heritage preservation with environmental responsibility.

Sustainability in Action at The Yale Historic Site

Assessing & Improving Sustainability Practices

We have conducted professional sustainability reviews to identify areas where we can reduce our environmental impact. These assessments help guide our ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and implement sustainable practices.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

To reduce our energy consumption, we have installed storm windows in our historic buildings, improving insulation and decreasing heat loss. These upgrades help maintain comfortable interior temperatures while reducing our reliance on energy-intensive heating.

Transitioning to Renewable Energy

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by installing solar panels on-site. This investment in renewable energy will significantly decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring a more sustainable future for the Yale Historic Site.

Educating Visitors on Climate Change & Heritage

Climate change poses a serious risk to historic sites. We plan to develop a climate change exhibit that highlights these risks, educates visitors on the importance of sustainable heritage management, and inspires action to protect heritage sites.

Supporting Green Transportation

To encourage sustainable travel options, we plan to install EV charging stations at two key locations throughout the Site. This initiative aligns with our commitment to reducing emissions and making the Yale Historic Site more accessible for eco-conscious visitors.

Minimizing Waste & Environmental Impact

We are actively working toward reducing waste across the site by implementing comprehensive waste management strategies. This includes reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling programs, and encouraging sustainable visitor practices.

Our Commitment to Community

The Yale Historic Site is more than a museum. It is a vital part of the community. We believe that heritage sites should not be static but rather dynamic spaces that serve the needs of local residents while preserving and sharing history. By integrating community services, providing gathering spaces, and supporting local initiatives, we are ensuring that Yale remains a living and active part of the region. We are committed to strengthening these connections and expanding the site’s role as a key piece of community infrastructure.

Community Engagement in Action at The Yale Historic Site

Preserving Essential Services

When the local post office faced closure, we stepped in to save this critical service by signing a contract with Canada Post to relocate it to the Yale Historic Site. This ensures that residents continue to have a postal service without needing to leave town.

Listening to Community Needs

We are actively engaging with local residents to identify other ways the historic site can be used to support the community. Through ongoing conversations, we are exploring how our buildings and spaces can serve as a resource for local initiatives.

Our Commitment to Modernizing The Visitor Experience

History is not static, and neither should the way we share it. We are committed to making the Yale Historic Site an engaging, interactive, and accessible experience for all visitors. Through innovative exhibit design, digital storytelling, and immersive interpretation, we are transforming how history is presented. Our goal is to ensure that visitors leave with a deeper connection to the past and an appreciation for the diverse stories that shape Yale and the Fraser Canyon.

Visitor Experience Enhancement in Action at The Yale Historic Site

Reimagining The Creighton House Museum

We have launched Phase 1 of our long-term strategy to update and reinterpret the Creighton House Museum. This includes a refreshed interior that enhances storytelling through a more respectful narrative around Indigenous heritage.

Expanding Temporary Exhibit Spaces

We are integrating dedicated spaces for seasonal rotating exhibits, allowing us to highlight new themes, diverse histories, and community-driven stories throughout the year. Our empohasis is on bringingexhibits to Yale through collaborations from around the world.

Revitalizing Exhibits With Interactive Elements

We are modernizing each exhibit one by one, ensuring that our interpretation is engaging, accessible, and reflective of historical accuracy and new research. These updates include interactive features, hands-on elements, and a visually immersive experience.

Introducing Digital & Guided Tour Options

We are expanding access to the site with new self-guided digital tours that allow visitors to explore at their own pace. Additionally, guided tours will be available upon request, providing an opportunity for deeper storytelling and engagement.