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Indian Affairs minister visits

Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada Chuck Strahl was on Haida Gwaii last week for meetings with band councils.Minister Strahl met with councillors in Old Massett and Skidegate on July 21.In Skidegate, chief councillor Bob Mills says the minister came to talk about the Haida Heritage Centre.Mr. Mills said they toured him through the centre showing off the successes at the facility, but they also discussed the challenges.Like every heritage centre in Canada, the facility has financial difficulties, said Mr. Mills. "They generally don't make money," he said. There was discussion about building a lodge or some type of accommodation on the heritage centre site that will help support the centre, said Mr. Mills.The Band Council also updated the Minister on their endowment strategy. Mr. Mills says this can be a key to the success of a multi-million dollar facility like the Kaay Centre.Without revealing any of the potential donors, Mr. Mills, said the Skidegate Band Council is "right on track" with the campaign. Mr. Mills said that Minister Strahl didn't offer any commitments to government money, but he did leave the islands saying he'd be glad to help, if there is anything he can do.A spokesperson from his office in Ottawa said Minister Strahl visits communities when he can, but that no announcements were to be made about this trip.