Historical & Museums Association Newsletter Summer/Fall 2013 | , Yukon GREETINGS FROM THE YUKON Inside this issue: A few photographic highlights of the Yukon’s diverse heritage. Read on to learn more!

Greetings from Tourism & Culture 2 Minister

Executive Director’s Report 3

Report on the Premier’s Tourism 4 Trade Mission to Europe

2013 Yukon Doors Open and Culture Days

Property Tax Exemptions and 5 Whitehorse Non-profits

2013 YHMA Walking Tour Season 6

Designation of the AJ Goddard 7

News and information from YHMA 8- members 12

Clockwise, from top left: Canoes rest on the beach at the Teslin Tlingit Cultural Centre; Keno, rich in both mining and culinary heritage; immersive exhibit at Kluane Museum of Natural History; Old Crow, located on the banks of the Porcupine Riv- er; interpreters hope to strike it rich at the Dawson City Museum PAGE 2 SUMMER/FALL 2013 |

Message From from Mike Nixon, Minister of Tourism and Culture

As Minister of Tourism and Culture, one of my most rewarding experiences is meeting Yukoners with an appreciation for our heritage. I am particularly pleased when individuals, families and organizations recognize that the things that make up our heritage, from fossils to archival records to historic buildings, are important legacies to be shared with each other and with visitors to Yukon. Last April, I had the honour of joining Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Rick O’Brien in recognizing two individuals for their valuable contributions to Yukon’s natural history. Marcus Deuling found a bison fossil while skiing at Fish Lake in 2012. He contacted the department’s palaeontology program and a trip to investigate the discovery was arranged. I was lucky enough to accompany Yukon government scientists, Kwanlin Dün First Nation staff and the Deuling family to the site. When the fossil was excavated, it turned out to be a complete 3800-year-old bison skull. Craig Duncan found bison bones while trenching for home construction in Porter Creek. Craig reported his find to the department and the fossils were excavated. A complete bison skeleton that is about 4700 years old was recovered. Thanks to Marcus and Craig, these culturally-significant bison fossils are stored in Yukon government’s palaeontology collection where they will be used for further research into our pre-historic past. In Yukon, the public, First Nations and the Yukon government all work together to preserve and protect our collective heritage which we hold in trust for future generations. Thanks to Yukoners like Marcus Deuling and Craig Duncan, our heritage is in good hands. Best Regards,

Mike Nixon

Minister of Tourism and Culture

Chief O’Brien and Minister Nixon present recognition certificates to Craig Duncan and Marcus Deuling in April, 2013 SUMMER/FALL 2013 | PAGE 3 From the Desk of the Executive Director It has been a busy summer! From meeting advocacy issues, representing the Yukon heritage sector at vari- ous events and the usual operations, the sunny days have flown by. Our walking tours wrapped up on Labour Day week- end: Liam and Isabelle did a great job introducing over 400 visitors to Yukon heritage. Intern Samantha was a huge help with the CMA conference, Doors Open and everything else that was thrown her way; she is cur- rently finishing up her third of four placements as part of a joint internship being coordinated by the YHMA. I spent part of the summer touring the communities, meeting YHMA members and receiving a crash course in all things Yukon, from caribou antler house decora- tions in Old Crow, to Keno City pizza and the Haines Junction ‘cupcake’. I also attended the fourth annual Arts, Culture and Heritage Gathering held in Inuvik, When does a ptarmigan not look like a ptarmigan? hosted by the NWT Government. This was an excellent Displaying the results of a stonecarving workshop with Inuit artist Kulula Itulu opportunity to get to know our neighbours to the East and share some of the latest news and events from the Yukon. I am continually impressed at how Northerners As with the rest of Canada, the Yukon’s heritage is going truly understand and celebrate the connections be- through a period of transition and renewal. We face many tween arts, culture and heritage. issues including shrinking funding and support for herit- age, a retiring generation of professionals and the usual The YHMA Board and staff were kept busy with several challenges in providing ongoing care of collections and initiatives. The Donnenworth House doors were thrown historic places and encouraging our communities to en- open as part of the 2013 Culture Days and Doors Open gage with heritage in meaningful ways. Each challenge, th activities, held September 27-29 . YHMA representa- however, presents an opportunity to find new ways of do- tives will attend the Heritage Canada Foundation con- ing things, and in doing so, to continue to enact creative ference in Ottawa at the end of October. Celebrating its and resilient forms of management and programming. fortieth anniversary this year, HCF will be launching its new vision for Canada’s heritage. Closer to home, It takes no stretch of the imagination to know that collabo- YHMA has been working with YTG’s Museums Unit to ration, the theme of the CMA Conference held in White- organize this year’s Yukon Heritage Symposium and horse earlier this summer, will be the key to the sus- Museums Roundtable, to be held October 16 and 17th tained, long-term success of the Yukon heritage sector. in Whitehorse. Having had the chance to get to know many of you over the last few months, I am confident that the Yukon is YHMA recently unveiled its new Strategic Plan. Based uniquely positioned to respond to these new challenges; on stakeholder feedback and sector research, the Plan in working together, we can continue to boast a strong, highlights many of the challenges and opportunities for resilient heritage sector and provide a model for the rest the Yukon heritage sector. We are looking for your of Canada. feedback on the document and some of the strategic priorities we have identified. There are many ways we As always, news and feedback are appreciated. Feel free to can fulfill our mandate: the challenge now is to identify drop me a line, pick up the phone, or swing by the office! a few things to do well. PAGE 4 SUMMER/FALL 2013 |

Premier’s Tourism Trade Mission to Europe a success Marc Johnston, YHMA President But Germany was not the only Sometimes, there are strange things done in the name of marketing aspect of our trip. The next and our recent trip to Hannover and London was no exception. day it was on to London where Can you imagine 400 German people waving Canadian flags at a similar tour operators were on Canada Day celebration in September while line dancing to a British hand to meet us in the crypt at Country Music group backed up by polar bears and penguins in St Paul's Cathedral. Yes, you downtown Dawson? That was the scene that greeted the Premier's read that correctly. We had a tourism marketing group shortly after the landed in last month to reception in St. Paul's base- promote Yukon Tourism and the YHMA was part of the process. ment surrounded by the graves of Wellington, Nelson and Flor- Let me explain. As many of you may know, the Hannover Zoo in- ence Nightingale, discussing cludes an exhibit called "Yukon Bay" which is essentially a recrea- the benefits of Yukon Tourism tion of a number of Dawson City landmark buildings surrounding an with British tour operators, who exhibit area featuring the Northern animals that are so familiar to us. were remarkably uninformed There are Eagles and caribou and gophers as well as the aforemen- about the Yukon. I think I tioned Polar bears that may not be so common on the streets of found only one who had actual- Dawson. As for the penguins.....maybe they'll move North with ly been here. Business cards global warming. The mine tunnels and artifact recreations that com- were exchanged and infor- plete the display. mation about Yukon Museums and Cultural Centres will be forwarded for dissemination to Every year, the Zoo celebrates Canada Day and invites the local YHMA President Marc Johnston with Yukon population to join them. This year four or five hundred people potential visitors. Premier Darrell Pasloski and Horatio Nelson turned out and showed enough interest and enthusiasm about the Yukon that they can be seen as future visitors. The Premier spoke Everyone wants to know to the crowd and was warmly received although I don't think he whether the trip was worth it. In my opinion, it was a remarkable success in speaks German and most of them didn't speak English. that the contacts made will pay off. It will take time. We don't expect huge numbers of German and British visitors to flood to Yukon Museums next year, I don't speak German either, but I found enough English speakers but if we have increased an awareness of how important Yukon History is to to encourage them to come to the Yukon. Yukoners, combined with our willingness to share it with visitors, then this has been a success. In a quiet room overlooking the festivities, our tour group managed to meet with German tour organizers and spend a few hours filling It was just as important to spend time with our compatriots in the Tourism them in on what the Yukon has to offer. I was well received in talk- business. Museums and Cultural Centres are in the business of tourism just ing about the museums and Cultural Centres and a number of them as much as they are in the business of conservation and preservation of our expressed surprise that the Yukon had so many museums with history and we should not let go of that ideal. All the tourism operators who such a small population. They had not really anticipated that a mu- went on the trip were after customers for their various businesses as was the seum visit could be part of a canoe trip or outdoor adventure. YHMA, and this was equally important to our marketing efforts as the joint marketing plan. I would hope that the YHMA participates in future similar marketing opportunities. Culture Days and Doors Open Yukon This year’s Culture Days and Doors Open Yukon was a resounding success. Both initiatives are a part of na- tionwide movements to help increase public access to and appreciation of culture and heritage through free events, encouraging residents to be tourists in their own town. Between September 27-29th, Yukoners and visitors took part in over fifty activities organized across the Territory. YHMA worked with the Yukon Arts Centre to help coordinate the events. Originating in Scotland in 1990, Doors Open has since spread to dozens of countries and thousands of cities, providing millions of visitors with the opportunity to explore buildings and sites important to their communities. In addition to events in Whitehorse, activities took place in Carmacks, Watson Lake and Faro. YHMA and its members hosted several events: visitors got a rare behind-the-scenes look at collections care and conser- vation at the Old Log Church Museum, while others took free rides on the Waterfront Trolley, learned more about the Yukon Wildlife Preserve’s new rehabilitation centre and played games at the Tagé Cho Hudän Cultural Centre in Carmacks. Several historic sites in Whitehorse were open to the public, including the Berrigan Cabins, Log Skyscrapers, Shipyards buildings and the Donnenworth House. A big thank you to all of the supporters and participants of the event! PAGE 5 SUMMER/FALL 2013 |

The Only Sure Things in Life… As the old adage goes, the only sure things in life are death and taxes. For over a decade, Whitehorse museums could add ‘tax exemptions’ to that list, but this July things became a little uncertain.

THE ISSUE THE RESPONSE PROPERTY TAX AND NON-PROFITS Since the mid-1990s, the City of Whitehorse News of the proposed clawback came as Most Canadian municipalities offer has provided property tax exemptions for museums were in the middle a busy tourist property tax exemptions for non-profits. several Whitehorse non-profits, including summer season: Whitehorse museums annu- YHMA, MacBride Museum of Yukon History, ally welcome 50,000 visitors through their Here’s the low-down on a couple: the Old Log Church Museum and the Yukon doors. Financial strain aside, the biggest con- The Regional Municipality of Halifax cern with the proposed exemption was the Transportation Museum. offers a tiered approach to property tax lack of consultation on behalf of the City with In July, we learned of the City’s plan to pass those affected. The only notice given was in a exemptions for non-profits. Depending a by-law modifying these exemptions. These letter last summer noting the policy was under on the function of the non-profit, organi- Whitehorse museums would see the City review. YHMA and others only learned of the zations may receive a 100% exemp- cover only 88% of the previously 100% ex- issue in the week before the motion went to tion, a partial exemption, or even have empt property tax. This represented an im- its third and final reading at City Council. property taxed at a lower, residential mediate 12% increase in payable property rate. As they provide benefits to the After consulting with other affected institu- tax, without any guarantees that additional public, groups that operate heritage exemption clawbacks would happen in fol- tions, YHMA drafted a position and hit the lowing years. For YHMA, this amounted to media circuit, sharing our concerns on radio, properties are generally awarded high- about $240. Other institutions blessed with a television and in the papers. We also met with er exemptions. the Mayor to discuss issue and made repre- prime location, such as MacBride Museum, The City of Kelowna offers tax exemp- were staring down a bill of $3,200. sentation at the following Council meeting. tions for non-profits with municipal, It was not clear how this increase would be THE RESULT recreational, religious, cultural or chari- implemented: for any non-profit it would be table purposes. The City also adminis- Whitehorse City Council voted to continue the difficult enough to find an unbudgeted $3,200 ters a Heritage Building Tax Incentive in the middle of a fiscal year without cutting full exemptions for another year. We’re not out of the weeds yet, as this move has only Program Policy, which provides grants staff or programming. If the intent was to pay to property owners who have restored back 100% of the tax and have the City issue delayed a final decision on the issue. YHMA heritage buildings. a rebate, institutions would have no choice is working to follow up with the City to share but to close their doors to cover the cash flow our concerns and see if we can work together shortfall. to find an amenable solution.

Are you a heritage sector worker looking to improve your skills?

The YHTF provides support for training and professional development opportunities for the Yukon heritage sector. Applications are re- viewed on a quarterly basis.

Intake deadlines are October 15, January 15, April 15 and July 15th. Visit www.heritageyukon.ca or call 667-4704 for more information.

Support provided by the Yukon Government’s Department of Advanced Education PAGE 6 SUMMER/FALL 2013 | 2013 Walking Tour Season

Through the Young Canada Works (YCW) program, we hired two students to undertake our historical walking tours. Liam Campbell returned for a second year and with Isabelle Stephens formed a formidable and bilingual team. Liam and Isabelle also undertook a re-organization of our resource centre and basement. It wasn’t all dust and cobwebs, and in late August YHMA staff journeyed to Mayo and Keno to visit the sights and sites. Although results remain to be seen, attempts to brainwash Liam and Isabelle into a rewarding career in heritage seem to have proven somewhat successful. Their collective flair for the dramatic is evident in their review of the summer season below and helped make the Yukon’s heritage memorable for over 400 visitors this summer!

Liam Campbell “Major highlights for this summer for me not only include the interesting things we unearthed in that formerly decrepit basement, but simply coming to work. I thoroughly enjoy talking; but talking to people about my hometown? Being a bit of a history buff, I couldn’t have asked for more. On the last Sunday before my contract ended we took a trip up to Keno City. Now I thought I knew a lot about Whitehorse and the Yukon. But this definitely put into perspective not only how vast our territory is, but how we are really all in this together. Little did I know that if it were not for another shiny metal in the ground, Whitehorse and the Yukon as we know simply would not exist. A shout out to Mike for the pizza and his hospitality! His stories and documentary he had shown us was nothing but memorable. A shout out to Anne and Marc for their heritage interpretation along the way, it brought the former town sites and hills to life. All in all my time here at YHMA has been very impressionable. I had always thought Whitehorse and the Yukon growing up were nothing special. But work- ing here I unearthed a wealth of knowledge that I would have otherwise over- looked. I will take these stories with me in the travels, as a reminder of the not so humble roots I hail from. I have always taken history into consideration YHMA staff at the top of Keno Hill (from left when thinking about my future education and career, but after a second sum- to right): Nancy Oakley, Samantha Shannon, mer here I think that the idea has been cemented into my thoughts.” Isabelle Stephens, Liam Campbell; Marc Johnston, YHMA President (seated)

Isabelle Stephens “At the start of the summer, the basement of the Donnenworth House looked like a disaster zone out of an end of the world movie, but slowly my co-worker and I brought up and organized financial, project, and administrative files from the basement box by box. I found that working as a heritage interpreter in a place that I have lived in my whole life was surprisingly satisfying. Learning the his- tory behind my home town was a real eye opener and has made me appreciate this place more than I ever could have imagined. Like most university students, I am unsure about what direction I would like to further my education in, but this summer position has definitely given light to a few options I otherwise would have overlooked. As a reward for doing such a good job this summer, Nancy took us on a heritage exploration trip up to the Village of Mayo and Keno City, where we had the honour of having our own personal guided tour by Marc Johnston and Anne Leckie. Also, Keno’s very own Mike Mancini gave us a warm welcome into his Snack Bar and charmed his way into our hearts through his stories and of course… his pizza. I have never left a place in the Yukon feeling that warm and fuzzy inside. Every trail, mountain, and river have a special meaning and story behind them that I would have never dis- covered if it weren’t for Nancy, Marc, Mike, and Anne’s passion for heritage and their willingness to share their knowledge with us. Over all, this summer position has turned into way more than just a job. I have gained connections through YHMA that will change my view on heritage and museums for the rest of my life and may even open up doors to a brand new prospective career.” SUMMER/FALL 2013 | PAGE 7

Designation of the A.J. Goddard, a Territorial Heritage Site, is Celebrated Report by Michael Gates

On June 9, 2010, under section 19 of the Historic Resources Act, the A.J. Goddard was designated a territorial historic site. On Tuesday, August, 20, this designation was formally recognized at a plaque unveiling ceremony at Deep Creek campground, on the sunny shores of Lake Laberge.

To a crowd of more than 75 people, Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture Mike Nixon addressed the importance of the A.J. Goddard to the people of Yukon.

“Preserved intact in the cold waters of Lake Lab- erge,” said Nixon, “the A.J. Goddard now provides a unique window to the past and to the history of river transportation here in the Yukon many, many Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture Mike Nixon congratulates co-discoverer of the years ago. The A.J. Goddard wreck and the ar- A.J. Goddard at the plaque unveiling on the shore of Lake Laberge last Tuesday. chaeological objects found on the site…truly pro- Credit: Michael Gates vide an insight into how people lived, worked and spent their leisure time.” able for its direct link to the hardship and perse- Anne Leckie, chair of the Yukon Heritage Re- verance of the Klondike Gold Rush. When they “This little sternwheeler at the bottom of Lake Lab- sources Board, which recommended the A.J. God- dived on the wreck, they found the fresh wood erge has been widely recognized as an outstanding dard for designation as a territorial historic site, in the firebox where they were desperately heritage site. It captures the unique and truly fasci- spoke next. The designation, she said, “…is a trying to restart a fire in the boiler. They saw the nating heart of the Klondike Gold Rush era. This wonderful opportunity to promote understanding of axes on the foredeck, where, in their struggle to shipwreck has significant heritage value and it illus- and appreciation for the A.J. Goddard…and the save the vessel, the crew hastily severed the trates the social cultural and economic develop- way it represents so many stories of the early ropes holding the tow barge. Their boots lay on ment of Yukon, and for that very reason, merits transportation history of the Yukon River.” the lake floor, where the crew kicked them off in protection under the Historic Resources Act….We their fight to survive. It was, he said, a moving are committed to safeguarding this extraordinary John Pollack, credited as co-discoverer of the A.J. experience to see these remains lying there Klondike era historic site as a legacy for future gen- Goddard, spoke last. He said that he has worked with just a thin layer of silt covering them. erations.” on nearly 40 sternwheeler sites in western Cana- da, “…and the A.J. Goddard site is by far the most Finally, he credited the success of the work on Nixon went on to acknowledge the contributions of remarkable we have encountered…. It’s walking the A.J. Goddard to the efforts of the Govern- the Institute of Nautical Archaeology, the Yukon into a room where the door hasn’t been opened in ment of Yukon, the Yukon Historic Resources Transportation Museum, and many individuals, a 100 years. It is a marvel of seldom-seen engi- Board, the Yukon Transportation Museum, the particularly John Pollack, Doug Davidge and Lind- neering….” He went on to state that it was remark- Institute of Nautical Archaeology, and local say Thomas. volunteers. He stated that this was a text-book example of how you hope that projects will happen. ANNUAL OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS SALE November 16 and 23rd, from 11am-3pm The short and heartfelt speeches were followed by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque Old Log Church Museum, corner of Elliott St. and 3rd Ave., by Minister Nixon, and Doug Davidge, co- Whitehorse discoverer of the A.J. Goddard.

Pick up some great stocking stuffers, unique crafts and help Entertainment followed, with local musical support the museum! performer Kim Beggs performing for the first time, a song she composed about the sinking of For more information, call 668-2555 the A.J. Goddard, and which is included on a soon-to-be-released CD. SUMMER/FALL 2013 | PAGE 8

You Can Go Home Article by Elaine Rohatensky, Parks Canada

Can you? Returning home was one of the themes explored by photographer Sarah Fuller’s The Homecoming, an outdoor art installation at Bear Creek.

Located 10 km east of Dawson City, Bear Creek Industrial Complex is part of Dredge No 4 National Historic Site. These places tell stories of corporate mining in the Klondike. Opened in 1905, Bear Houses glow in the forest at Bear Creek, part of Sarah Fuller’s 2013 project, Creek was not only an administrative and mainte- The Homecoming Photo: Sarah Fuller nance centre, it was a vibrant community. With the closure of the complex in 1966, many of the residential buildings even the buildings’ former occupants felt the magic of the installa- were relocated to other communities, including Dawson City. tion. Through backlighting, the houses appeared to glow in the dim forest. In The Homecoming, Fuller created the illusion that five of these relocated houses were back in their original locations. She hung The Homecoming was a hit! It marked another successful project large-scale photographs printed on linen in the now-forested resi- in the ongoing collaboration between Klondike Institute of Arts dential area of Bear Creek. Once dusk fell, visitors, locals, and and Culture and Parks Canada (Klondike National Historic Sites).

Celebrating the Chilkoot Trail through Art Article by Kate Alexander, Parks Canada

Nicole Bauberger, Three intrepid artists scaled the heights of the Chilkoot the program’s Alaska/ Trail through the interna- Yukon selection, tional “Artist’s Journey” painted 100 Dresses two-week residency this for the Chilkoot at the summer. Parks Canada Yukon Transportation and the Yukon Arts Cen- Museum after her trail adventure. tre, along with the U.S. See more Dresses at nicolebau- National Parks Service, berger.com. Alaska Geographic and Skagway Arts Council collaborate to manage and fund the program, Canada’s Kara Sievewright creat- which proved extremely popular with hikers once again. ed a giant comic strip map of the trail, and people who attended Cassandra Loomis from Virginia, USA, was struck by the her Comic Jams added to it – in azure blue of Bennett Lake that peeks through the vegeta- Skagway, on the Trail, and in tion near St Andrew’s Church. All Cassandra’s beautiful Whitehorse. She has created a watercolours appear on line at cassandraloomis.com. web site dedicated to the Trail: ChilkootComics.com.

Find more about the Chilkoot Trail Artist in Residence program at www.pc.gc.ca/chilkoot in the What’s New section. A Call for Submissions for next year’s residency will be posted there in early December. SUMMER/FALL 2013 | PAGE 9 The Yukon Transportation Museum’s Licence Plate Exhibit!

Article by Jessica Boekhoff You’re probably used to the good ol’ Klondike gold miner ‘Yukon Sam’ hang- ing out on your licence plate, but he was- n’t always there looking out for your back bumper. The Yukon Transportation Mu- seum (YTM) has a new display of all the past licence plates ever existing in the Yukon.

The years span from 1914 up to present day. Yukon Sam had his premiere in 1953 as a testament to the development of the territory from the gold rush and up until 1991 he even had a dab of hand- Yukon license plate exhibit donated by David and Cora Grant. applied gold paint in his pan representing YTM Photo, 2013. a gold nugget! Along the way there has required to bolt the plate to a vehicle. been some debate as to whether or not This made the raven appear plump and License categories through Yukon change the classic gold miner on the squat. Apparently Yukoners preferred license plate history plate. In 1989, the government came up gold panning Sam who retains part of D = DEALER with a template for a new licence plate history because he has withstood the F = FARM with the words “The Magic and the Mys- test of time! X = FEDERAL GOVERNMENT tery” along with a fireweed to replace the G = TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT gold miner and the words “Home of the From the 1960’s, the No. 1 plate was L = LIVERY (taxi) Klondike”. designated to the Territory’s Commis- M = MOTORVEHICLE

sioner. But numbers 2-25 could be pur- R = RECOVERY VEHICLE There was an immediate negative re- chased by territorial employees. The RES = RESTRICTED VEHICLE sponse to this from Dawson residents in No. 2 plate was later given to Ms. Victo- SKI VH = SKI VEHICLE the form of a petition to prevent the ria Faulkner in recognition for her many change. In 2006, there was another at- years of service to the Yukon Territory tempt at removing Sam from our daily as Commissioner’s secretary. lives. Bill Barnie designed a plate in the Note: No1 is reserved for the commis- YTM would like to give a big thank- shape of the official Yukon bird, the ra- sioner, but No’s 2-25 could be regis- you to David and Cora Grant for their ven. The plate was eye-catching, black tered for. The Yukon was one of the generous donation of this wonderful with gold sparkly letters and numbers. last jurisdictions in Canada to require by display! However, the look of the raven was sacri- law the registration of vehicles and the ficed to fit the four standardized holes display of licence plates.

LAUNCH OF YUKON HISTORY BOOK On Wednesday, August 7th, a launch event was held at the MacBride Museum of Yukon History for the re-issue of author Helen Dobrowolsky’s book, Law of the Yukon. The second edition includes over one hundred archival photos that illustrate the stories of individuals who served in the RCMP across the Territory, all wrapped up in a snazzy new cover! SUMMER/FALL 2013 | PAGE 10 NEW EXHIBIT: Dà Ze Tsàn, From Our Hearts Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Whitehorse

Sewing and weaving are part of a rich artistic tradition that in- cludes carving, painting and basket making as well as singing, dancing, drumming and storytelling. Like those art forms, sew- ing, beading, weaving and tufting are traditions that are passed down through the generations — a way to connect past, present and future lives.

The exhibit “Dà Ze Tsàn / From our hearts: Perspectives on Yukon First Nations Sewing and Weaving Traditions” recognis- es some of the territory’s talented artists and celebrates the wealth and diversity of northern skills. The exhibit includes pho- tographs of these artists at work and features their own words to tell the story of how traditions continue to evolve and adapt. The exhibit is enriched by examples of sewing, beadwork, tufting and weaving from the Yukon Permanent Art Collection and from private collections.

The exhibit is on display at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse from September 20, 2013 until March 31, 2014. The Kwan- lin Dün First Nation looks forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibit. The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, located on the banks of the Yukon River in downtown Whitehorse, is a gathering place for people of all cultures. The vision of the centre is to revive, preserve and demonstrate the language, practices, values and traditional ways of life of the people of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Visitors from the territory and around the world come here to experience vibrant northern culture.

The building itself is a wonderful place to showcase the beauty and skilled work in these pieces. These artists take their inspiration and their materials from the land, incorporating skills taught by elders, mentors and teachers as well as new ideas from the contem- porary world. The exhibit celebrates the ways that northern people adapt and innovate in the face of change. Although materials and tools have changed over the years, the importance of sewing and weaving within First Nation culture has not lessened. This overview captures the essence of the wealth and diversity of northern arts and skills. It provides an opportunity to recognise and honour some of our talented artists. The exhibit celebrates their pride in their work and our pride in them. The Alaska Highway Corridor National Historic Site Nomination Gains Even More Traction The newly organized Alaska Highway Commemoration Society support in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson. As a result Yukon will be joining with its BC counterpart, the Alaska High- of the workshops and continuing outreach by the AHCS, new rela- way Community Society, to work on the nomination of the Alas- tionships are being built. The AHCS is very pleased that Anna Bar- ka Highway Corridor as a National Historic Site of Canada. ley, Economic Development Officer for Treaty 8 Tribal Association, Senator Lang, a key supporter of the new group, spoke to CBC will be sitting on the board of the AHCS. For more information about Radio North on August 22, 2013. He spoke about the im- the nomination project in BC see: www.ouralaskahighway.com portance of the nomination in opening up future tourism oppor- tunities for Yukon communities. Hear the interview: In July 2013 the US National Register of Historic Places listed a 2.5 www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/North/ID/2402315434/ mile (4 km) segment of the original Alaska Highway as a national historic place. The US recognition highlights the highway’s construc- In BC, the Alaska Highway Community Society (AHCS) has tion as part of their World War II defense program, and the high- been focused on gaining the support of local governments and way’s role as an overland connection between Alaska and the conti- First Nations. Representatives from several First Nations in the nental US. Comprised of 225 acres, the old section of highway lies region participated in a set of Community Heritage Values to the west of the current realignment, and 37 miles southeast of workshops organized by the BC Heritage Branch with AHCS Delta Junction near Tanana River. SUMMER/FALL 2013 | PAGE 11 Henderson Grandfather Returns Home Sue Parsons, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Collections Manager , Dawson

On a smoky hot day in August, Henderson but they all had very different backgrounds and Grandfather was laid to rest once again at the ideas. This process was also laden with pain confluence of the Stewart and Yukon Rivers. A and grief. The group saw the face of their own small group of people assembled to bear wit- family in Grandfather. The connection of this ness to the reburial. This concluded a very long ancestor to the land and his power and journey that ultimately brought the community knowledge had been broken when he was re- closer and helped define some very important moved from the territory. His removal broke that cultural values. Those of us who were able to natural cycle and created a vacuum of that pow- make the journey to bring grandfather home felt er and knowledge in the community. Everyone blessed to be part of this process and grateful in the group understood that holding negative for all the guidance we received by our respec- attitudes or arguing their point was actually dan- tive communities throughout this process. gerous. This was rooted in a tangible, practical recognition of the effects of stress on individuals In 1966, riverbank erosion revealed an adult and communities. Fractures in relationships, ill First Nation male’s grave on the banks of the health due to emotional stresses and disre- Yukon River at Henderson Slough, near Stewart Tr’ondek Hwech’in and Selkirk Elders (l-r) specting individuals or ideas all work to weaken Island. The Burian family, who lived on nearby Victor Henry, Julia Morberg, Emma Alfred, the community and bring times of hardship. The Maria Van Bibber Stewart Island, notified the territorial govern- value of a respectful approach in conversation ment who eventually enlisted the help of the and thought seems to be firmly rooted in cultural Canadian Museum of Civilization. The remains protocols for 1000’s of years. munity at present and for future generations. and grave goods made the long journey to Otta- The ad hoc group identified that the primary wa and laid for over 4 decades in the Museums’ The group expressed the importance of return- lasting impact of a process such as this should storage. At the request of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, ing Grandfather’s remains to a state of conclu- be one of uniting people and cultivating a posi- with a letter from then Chief Darren Taylor, the sion as soon as possible. Grandfather’s tive atmosphere to ensure a healthy, harmoni- remains returned to Tr’ondek Hwëch’in in 2012. knowledge and his connection between the ous and stable community. Abiding by the 4 physical and spiritual world remained outside of I made a presentation to the Elders Council with values are a means to this end. the natural cycle and that fertile element needed a request for help in guiding the reburial pro- to be returned to enrich and strengthen the The establishment of respectful and open cess. Clara Van Bibber, Loretta Warnsby, Angie natural world and the community. The group channels of communication between citizens Joseph- Rear, Percy Henry and later Julia expressed the importance of being in complete and governments (First Nations, Federal and Morberg volunteered to guide the process. Let- agreement and establishing a clear course of Yukon), were key to the success of this pro- ters and emails went out to neighbouring First action. To leave any wiggle room might bring cess. This is especially important in a climate Nations and several issues of the heritage disharmony to the community. A time of indeci- of ever evolving legislation, policies and re- newsletter contained articles soliciting input. A sion is a dangerous, vulnerable time where established cultural protocols as all govern- good number of Elders and citizens shared their energies are spent in emotional turmoil that ments in the Yukon are in a state of transition. thoughts. The ad hoc group received this input would be better spent serving the community The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community is very as well as information from archaeology reports and getting the physical things required to sur- clear that inclusiveness is also the key to a and firsthand accounts from the original discov- vive and thrive done. healthy future. ery. After several meetings and much conversa- tion, the group came to consensus on the fol- Regardless of the presence of current political We were blessed to have had the participation lowing direction to be taken: Henderson Grand- boundaries, the Land Claim Agreement or a from the following people during the course of father was to be reburied, wrapped in a blanket protocol agreement outlining who has jurisdic- this journey: Emma Alfred (Selkirk), Kevin and laid in a coffin, all grave belongings were to tion, many Elders felt responsible to make sure Blanchard, Robin Burian, Al Forester, Stacey be reburied with him, reburial was to take place these remains were properly repatriated. Letters Girling-Christie (CMC), Ruth Gotthardt (YG), as close to the original burial site as practical on were sent out to all of those First Nations who Greg Hare (YG), Percy Henry, Victor Henry, S-15 on Stewart Island and no funeral ceremony travelled in this area to solicit input, but it was Rachel Hunt, Joy Isaac, Ben Johnson, Angie was to be performed but all neighboring First very clear to the ad hoc group that the responsi- Joseph-Rear, Martha Kates, Chief Kevin Nations will be invited to send someone. bility of the final decision and ensuring that deci- McGinty (Selkirk), Julia Morberg, David Morri- sion was carried out, rested on their shoulders. son (CMC), Richard Nagano, Doreen Olson, Although the work of the ad hoc group was to This came from a place of wanting to protect Jackie Olson, Wayne Potoroka, Doris Roberts, make decisions regarding this specific situation, disharmony within any other First Nation. James Roberts, David and Elaine Rohatensky four key rules or values, emerged; respect, time (KNHS), Tanner Sidney, Darren Taylor, Linda sensitivity, consensus and stewardship. A re- We have come to understand this incredible Taylor, Adam Thom, Clara VanBibber, Maria spectful approach to each other and the process journey was not simply about respectfully con- VanBibber (Selkirk), Loretta Warnsby, Lee was the number one value maintained by the ad cluding the repatriation of human remains, but it Whalen, Brian Wildy and Janet Young (CMC) hoc group. Not only was the group tasked with a was primarily about the health of an entire com- as well as all those who contributed their input unique, important and stressful set of decisions, and advice.

SUMMER/FALL 2013 | PAGE 12 Reference Room News News from the Yukon Archives Yukon Archives provides tours and introduction sessions to the Reference Service with a focus on how to conduct your research at Yukon Archives. For group tours, please book in advance (867‑667‑5321), but, for one on one introduction come by for a visit. You will be amazed at the published and archival materials available on the Yukon. Yukon Archives had a recent researcher who is only five years of age wanting to learn the naming of “Rabbit’s Foot Canyon”. We found that Yukon Archives holds a map entitled "Town of Whitehorse, and Adjacent Copper Belt", dated June 1902, compiled by H.G. Dickson, D.L.S. (Map H-12). It shows there was a claim named Rabbit’s Foot. This is still research in progress, so if you know the origin of its name, please let us know and we will pass it on to our young researcher. This is just one example of the many interesting questions and genealogical research that our staff receive.

Recent Acquisitions Yukon Archives continually adds new material to the holdings. Please check out our website as many accessions and other additions are regularly added (www.yukonarchives.ca). A multi-level description of the Alan Innes-Taylor fonds has recently been completed. Material was transferred to Yukon Archives from the Glenbow Archives in the mid-1990s and, when Mr. Innes-Taylor’s daughters donated additional boxes and thousands more photographs in 2011, Yukon Archives moved ahead with processing the entire fonds. Consisting of over 15m of textual records and other material, the Innes-Taylor records are now available for research on the Yukon Archives Descriptive Database. While only a handful of images have been digitized, the entire collection can be consulted in the Ar- chives’ research room. Yukon Historical & Our Association

Museums Association The Yukon Historical and Museums Association was established in 3126 3rd Avenue 1977 by a group of concerned and passionate individuals to create a Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1E7 united voice for understanding and promoting heritage and history in p: 867-667-4704 | f: 867-667-4506 the Yukon. We keep appraised of heritage issues and advocate on be- [email protected] half of the eighteen museums and cultural centres around the territory. www.heritageyukon.ca | @Yukonheritage We continue to build a learning environment for history and culture and HAVE A STORY YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? the development of skills and best practices. We share knowledge with the Yukon heritage community and support each other in protection The YHMA newsletter is published quarterly and preservation projects. Most of our activities are collaborations and and we are always looking for stories to share. partnerships. Many of our events and programs honour those in the If you have news or an event you’d like to heritage sector that are dedicated to our vision. share, please contact YHMA for information on format requirements and deadlines. Our Mission

Contributing to our newsletter is a great way to The YHMA will inspire and share a passion for Yukon history in all peo- spread information about your organization or ple. We will do this by providing the heritage community with opportuni- initiative and allows our members to be ties and support for education, networking, lobbying, partnerships, mar- informed about things that are going on keting and governance. around Yukon. . For the latest Yukon heritage news, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! www.heritageyukon.ca @Yukonheritage