An architect's rendering of the exhibit gallery inside the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center. (Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center/Bill Hacker)

An architect’s rendering of the exhibit gallery inside the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center. (Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center/Bill Hacker)

After decades in the works, the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center is set to open its doors on May 14. The date was in a letter sent out to donors who attended a benefit dinner and auction in October. In 2015, more than $2 million was raised through grants, loans and private donations. The most recent chunk of cash came late in 2015 with $300,000 from the Murdoch Charitable Trust, half of what they asked for.

Last week, heritage center employees put a call out on their Facebook page for tour guides, dancers and artists for what they anticipate will be a bustling tourist season.

At the fundraiser in October, project director Lani Hotch said being so close to the finish line is a relief.

“We’ve always taken the approach of do what we can with what we have and just keep moving forward it’s worked for us. People are willing to get behind you when they see that: do what you can, with what you have,” she said.

For more information on the heritage center go to jilkaatkwaanheritagecenter.org.