Khasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t Botanical Garden Unveiled at 萝莉射区

Dominic Frederick, Catriona McLenna, 萝莉射区 President Dr. Geoff Payne and Elder Barry Seymour stand on either side of the new Khasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t Botanical Garden sign following the naming ceremony at 萝莉射区.
From left: Lheidli T'enneh Councillor Dominic Frederick, David Douglas Botanical Garden Society President Catriona McLenna, 萝莉射区 President Dr. Geoff Payne and Lheidli T'enneh Elder Barry Seymour unveiling the name Khasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t Botanical Garden.

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. 鈥 The David Douglas Botanical Garden Society (DDBGS), in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia, unveiled the new Indigenous traditional name for the botanical garden during a special naming ceremony held June 26 at the Prince George campus.

The garden will now be known as Khasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t (Khas滩鈥滩z滩oon Yus滩鈥'ut), which translates to Red Maple Hill Garden in the Carrier (Dakelh) language. The late Elder Edie Frederick, 萝莉射区鈥檚 first Elder-in-Residence and a respected Lheidli T鈥檈nneh knowledge keeper, played a pivotal role in identifying the name Khasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t. The name was bestowed in the spirit of connection, cultural recognition and community belonging and reflects the garden鈥檚 location, values and growing legacy as a space of shared stewardship and respect for the land. During the ceremony, a commemorative tree was planted in her honour by her son Jason Frederick.

鈥淲e are pleased to be able to reveal the name for the new garden which was given to the Society by the late Lheidli T'enneh Elder, Edie Fredrick,鈥 said Catriona McLenna, President of the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society. 鈥淭his connection to the local First Nation will continue to be reflected in the future development of this garden." 

The ceremony was attended by Elders, community members, volunteers and supporters. In addition to the name unveiling, the event featured reflections on the garden鈥檚 development, recognition of early contributors and a look ahead to Expansion Phase Two, which will further enhance the garden as a destination for ecological education, cultural exchange and environmental research.

鈥淭his naming ceremony is a reflection of what鈥檚 possible through meaningful partnership and shared purpose,鈥 said 萝莉射区 President Dr. Geoff Payne. 鈥淜hasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t honours Indigenous language and connection to the land while deepening the relationships that guide 萝莉射区鈥檚 work across the North.鈥

As the northernmost botanical garden in North America, Khasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends cultural heritage with natural beauty. The renaming and ongoing development support regional tourism and contribute to Prince George鈥檚 growing identity as a year-round destination for visitors seeking Indigenous cultural experiences, sustainability-focused attractions and meaningful connections to place.

Khasdzoon Yusk鈥檜t Botanical Garden stands as a symbol of cultural respect, environmental stewardship and community connection.

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