Cultural centre not a Conservative accomplishment: Kwanlin Dn chief

The chief of the Kwanlin Dn First Nation in Yukonis not amused, sayingsays she "has a problem" with Conservative candidate Ryan Leef, claiming the construction of the First Nation's cultural centre as an accomplishment while he was MP.

Leef has repeatedly stated in debates, and on Facebook that the Conservative government of Stephen Harper has invested in cultural centres and infrastructure since assuming office a decade ago.

Last week, Leef posted a video to Facebooktouting investment in cultural centres in the territory while standing in front of the Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre, in Whitehorse.

However, chief Doris Bill says the Kwanlin Dn cultural centre is not a Harper or Leef accomplishment.

"What they're not telling people is that the cultural centre was negotiated. It's a special provision in our self-government agreement," says Bill."I have a problem with them using the cultural centre as a promotion.

"It doesn't matter which government is in power, they have a legal obligation to negotiate with our First Nation on the cultural centre."

The grand chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations agrees.

Ruth Massie says the final agreements took years to negotiate, and adds that if anyone deserves credit, it is former Liberal MP Larry Bagnell.

"At the time, our MP was a Liberal and that was Larry" says Massie.

Both Bill and Massie say the KwanlinDn centre would have been built, regardless of which party was in power in Ottawa at the time of its opening in 2012.

CBC asked Leefto respond to Bill's and Massie's comments, but he declined.