Historical And Museums Association

Summer/Fall 2017 Newsletter 40th Anniversary Edition

Photo credit: Kathy Jones-Gates

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YHMA NEWS & EVENTS From the Desk of the Executive Director | Lianne Maitland

As I approach the end of my first year with YHMA, I find LePage Park, at myself thinking a lot about the history of this amazing which members organization (due in no small part, I’m sure, to the fact that of the public were this year marks our 40th anniversary), the impressive also invited to set accomplishments we’ve had, and how we’ve changed up tables to sell through the years while still keeping alive the spirit that books, antiques, started it all. and collectibles. The flea markets Recently, I accompanied consulting archivist Laura Millar have been such a to the Yukon Archives to examine the Yukon Historical & success that Museums Association fonds. This brief trip to assess the we’re planning to fonds to assist in selecting other records to deposit ended continue them up being a fascinating opportunity to delve into YHMA’s next summer. early history (and admire some fantastic 1970’s graphic design!). One of the most exciting elements is an audio Now that the summer is drawing to close, however, we’re recording of our founding meeting, recalled by Diane looking toward a busy fall. Culture Days / Doors Open is Chisholm, Kathy Gates, Val Graham, and Linda Johnson approaching at the end of the month, September 29 to on the following page. I’m currently planning a return trip October 1. See page 7 for an overview of heritage-related to the archives to listen to the recording. activities. Then, coming up on Thursday, October 26 is our 2017 Heritage Symposium, Activating Our But the Archives hardly hold all of our records. When Communities, which will be held at the Klondike Institute you’ve been around for 40 years, they tend to build up! of Art and Culture in Dawson City. Tucked away in the Donnenworth House basement is at treasure trove of oral histories, conference proceedings, Finally, we’ve teamed up with the Royal Canadian Legion project records, and more, all of which help document Branch 254 () to host a 150th birthday party both YHMA’s own history and Yukon heritage in general. for Klondike Joe Boyle, one of Yukon’s best kept secrets. Our intrepid board members Cathy Hines and Sally After striking it rich in the Klondike gold fields, not only did Robinson have begun to wade into this collection with the Boyle finance a machine gun detachment during WWI, ultimate goal of increasing accessibility. I’m looking but he also saved the crown jewels of Romania, among forward to continuing to follow their progress and many other accomplishments. Join us at the Mount uncovering hidden gems to share. McIntyre Recreation Centre in Whitehorse on Saturday, November 4 to mark Joe’s 150th and honour the many We’ve also been making great headway in clearing Yukoners who gave their lives in WWI. Donnenworth House of extraneous books, supplies, and equipment that have accumulated over the years. As part of this effort, we’ve hosted several Sunday flea markets in

On the Cover: The founding meeting of YHMA

We are lucky enough to have this wonderful photo of the Standing (L-R): Iris Warner, [Unidentified], Martin Segger founding meeting of YHMA hanging in our office in (BC Museums Advisor), Josephine MacDonald, Joan Donnenworth House. Taken at MacBride Museum in 1977 Shaxon, Marjorie Rodgers, Bonar Cooley, Flo Whyard, by Kathy Jones-Gates (then just Kathy Jones), this photo Marg Deacon, Marjorie Almstrom, Kathy Jones, Wayne speaks to YHMA’s amazing history of dedicated directors, Merry, Jim Whyard, Julie Cruikshank, Duncan Sinclair, volunteers, and members representing all aspects of Father Huijburs, Diane Johnston (now Chisholm), Laurent Yukon heritage. Cyr, Edo Nyland, Jack MacDonald, Helen Horback, Al Wright Absent from this photo, but present in other photographs taken at the meeting, is Gordon Steele (you can just see Kneeling (L-R): Valerie Graham, Dorothy Johnson, his ear and hair behind Al Wright!). Lorraine Allen, Peg Crook, Sue Morhun, Molly Raher- Nardi, Nora Garside, Mary Rose Cowan, Ron Garside Specials thanks go to Val Graham, Linda Johnson, and Michael Gates for their assistance in identifying everyone in the photo.

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YHMA NEWS & EVENTS YHMA – busy and fun times through 40+ years

YHMA began as a glimmer in the eyes of several long kazoos for a rousing after-hours musical party at his flat, time Yukon history fans in the summer of 1976, spurred which sadly is not documented with revealing photos. In on by a growing concern that museums and historical 1981 YHMA’s landmark Kwaday Kwadan conference at societies were struggling with inadequate resources. Iris the Yukon Indian Centre featured former CYI Chair Elijah Warner, Val Graham and Peg Crook had belonged to Smith, Elders Kitty Smith, Angela Sidney, Annie Ned, MacBride Museum for many years and Brian Speirs was George Dawson, Johnnie Johns and anthropologist then Territorial Archivist. They held a first meeting at the Catharine McClellan. The conference and a magnificent Yukon Archives to discuss a Yukon wide heritage display of artifacts loaned by the National Museum of organization. After Brian moved to Alberta, Archives staff Canada was a collaborative project between YHMA, members Linda Johnson and Diane Chisholm joined the MacBride Museum and the CYI Curriculum Department discussions, along with Kathy Gates of the Dawson City spearheaded by Clara Schinkel, Lori Eastmure, Sharon Museum, Sue Morhun of the Atlin Historical Society, Shadow and Karen Schell. Antonia Jack delighted Father Huijbers of the Burwash Museum, and numerous hundreds of school children and visitors with her stories other long time Yukoners. and tours as the Exhibit Elder-in-Residence. The founding meeting for a new Yukon heritage society Other conferences included the Borderlands Conference was held in 1977 at MacBride Museum, attended by more in 1987 for which the Bancroft Library loaned the original than 30 keen contributors. Looking at the “official” Kohklux and Kandik maps which were on display at the photograph of the event, taken by Kathy Gates, the Yukon Archives. We commemorated the Alaska Highway attendees included anthropologists, archivists, First in 1992 with a conference and display, hosted many more Nations interpreters, historians, museum workers, writers museums workshops and conferences, and published and heritage aficionados from many communities along maps and reprints of significant Yukon heritage with BC’s Museums Advisor. Over the weekend we documentary sources such as the Report of the 1887 hashed out the constitution for a new Yukon-wide – plus Yukon Expedition. Atlin – umbrella organization with a broad mandate encompassing all related fields and the goal of promoting The Heritage Buildings Committee, aided by former and preserving Yukon’s diverse heritage. Commissioner Jim Smith, businessman Rolf Hougen and Mayor Flo Whyard secured the Lepage Park site and The most time consuming debate of the weekend was – buildings for heritage preservation and public use – an choosing our name! Options flew fast and sometimes enduring legacy for our whole community. On the furious as some wanted heritage, others insisted on strength of many diverse projects, our President Clara history or museums, association or society, and on it Schinkel persuaded Heritage Canada’s board to add a went. At one point Father Huijbers proposed a motion for seat for the Yukon – wearing her ceremonial clan robe the name Yukon Museums and Historical Association. Flo she was a convincing spokesperson like no other! Over Whyard quickly suggested switching the key words so our the years YHMA board members addressed numerous initials would not be confused as the Yukon Mental Health public policy and planning issues related to Yukon Association! And so the YHMA – Yukon Historical and heritage in all its many forms. Museums Association was born. In this 40th anniversary year all members from all times Our early years were very exciting! We received a can look back with pride on the many accomplishments sizeable grant to conduct surveys of heritage resources in and activities sponsored by YHMA. It’s included hard Yukon communities, preparing background work and many long hours of meetings – but also lots of documentation for the first walking tours in Whitehorse fun and the rewards of knowing we contributed to and other communities. We launched our first Yukon preserving Yukon’s heritage for future generations! Heritage Conference in the fall of 1978, bringing Elders and Yukon residents such as historian Al Wright and Memories contributed by Diane Chisholm, Kathy and Mike anthropologist Julie Cruikshank, together with former Gates, Val Graham and Linda Johnson. resident Roy Minter, Heritage Canada Executive Director RAJ Phillips, and more than 150 keen participants. It was a huge success for a brand new group. Did you know? Over the next decade YHMA sponsored conferences in Many of YHMA’s early records are held in the Yukon Dawson, Mayo, Keno, Haines Junction, Carcross, and Archives, including documentation of our founding Carmacks. Notable fun was had – at the Dawson event in meeting in both written and audio format. You can request 1979 Mike Gates brought out his large collection of access to the Yukon Historical and Museums Association fonds at the Archives.

PAGE 4 SUMMER/FALL 2017 YHMA NEWS & EVENTS 2016 Yukon Heritage Awards

On February 20, 2017, the Yukon heritage community memorabilia, which he shares with visitors and Yukoners once again gathered at the Yukon Archives for the Yukon throughout the summer.. It was the culmination of years of Historical & Museums Association’s annual Yukon research and hard work. Heritage Awards ceremony. These awards celebrate the achievements of heritage champions within the Yukon, Village of Mayo (Heritage Conservation Project of the whether individuals, organizations, community groups, Year): The award was presented to the Village of Mayo in First Nations, or businesses. recognition of their conservation and restoration of the Mabel McIntyre House, also known as the Mayo Mining To kick off the evening, Molly Shore, Communications Recorder’s Office. Mabel McIntyre, a local First Nation Assistant for the Tr’ondëk-Klondike World Heritage woman, lived in the house between 1946 and 1981 and Project, gave a captivating presentation on the nomination gave it much of its most recent significance. The award is process, including background information about this presented annually to the person or group whose proposed World Heritage Site. We can’t wait to hear the conservation work on a historic property best exemplifies results of the nomination! the practices outlined in the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. This award The 2016 award recipients represent a diverse range of is sponsored by the Yukon Department of Tourism and contributions to Yukon heritage, and most have been long- Culture’s Historic Sites Unit. time contributors. In fact, we were so impressed by the long-term devotion of two nominees to Yukon heritage that The North and the First World War Conference we opted not to present an Annual Heritage Award, but Committee (Helen Couch Volunteer of the Year rather to present two History Maker Awards instead. Award): Made up of Dr. Ken Coates, Dr. Brent Slobodin (co-chairs), Michael Gates, Max Fraser, Piers McDonald, Congratulations to the following Heritage Award winners: Dan Davidson, Joanne Lewis, and Marius Curteanu, the committee’s goal was to produce an entertaining and Dr. Ruth Gotthardt (History Maker Award): Recently informative conference to illuminate a previously little- retired Yukon Archaeologist Dr. Gotthardt has authored known and not well-understood era of Yukon History. The and co-authored many significant studies that have put committee put in two years of hard work, much Yukon at the forefront of important northern research. appreciated by the participants and YHMA, and their Yukon archaeological sites contain some of the earliest efforts prove, yet again, how Yukoners are wonderful and evidence of human occupation in America and Ruth has sharing hosts. played a huge part in exploring, documenting, and protecting these sites and artifacts. Peter Long (Innovation, Education and Community Engagement Award): Peter Long's recent research and Sid van der Meer (History Maker Award): Sid van der website publication, Forgotten Trails: Walking the Meer is a local historian, owner of the Border Town Hepburn Tramway, demonstrates leadership and an Garage and Museum in Beaver Creek, and an entertaining outstanding contribution to Yukon heritage preservation. and knowledgeable story-teller. Sid and his Upper Tanana Peter’s work on the Hepburn Trail is fueled by his desire wife raised their four children at Mountain View Lodge at to have aspects of our local history valued, protected, and Mile 1128 on the Alaska Highway. He is a treasure house developed. of tales related to his collection of vintage and highway

The 2016 Yukon Heritage Award winners with Hon. Jeanie Dendys, Minister of Tourism and Culture. L-R: Hon. Jeanie Dendys, Dr. Ruth Gotthardt, Peter Long, Piers McDonald, Dr. Brent Slobodin, Michael Gates, Dan Davidson, Max Fraser, Shannon Cooper Absent: Sid van der Meer, Dr. Ken Coates, Joanne Lewis, Marius Curteanu Photo Credit: Kathy Jones-Gates

PAGE 5 SUMMER/FALL 2017 YHMA NEWS & EVENTS 2017 Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair: Our Biggest Yet!

Held on May 4, 2017 at the Yukon Transportation Museum students learned about careers in heritage by chatting (YTM) and Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, the 19th with six Yukon heritage professionals, who shared details Annual Yukon/Stikine-Regional Heritage Fair featured a and stories about their jobs in heritage, which ranged from record-breaking 60 projects by 66 participating students palaeontology and archaeology, to interpretation, to from 13 schools across the Yukon and Atlin, B.C. management of museums and cultural centres. Outside, This amazing collection of projects included explorations students practiced using an atlatl. of family history, Yukon heritage, and Canadian heritage The goals of the Heritage fair include creating an and filled the main exhibition hall at YTM, where judges engaging learning environment for students to strengthen the public could view them. Attendees could find their appreciation for Canadian heritage, and developing fascinating displays around absolutely every corner! students’ roots in their communities and cultures to inspire Specific topics ranged from “Who invented the life-saving them to participate in shaping Canada’s future. suit?” to “Gwich’in People and their use of Dogs” and everything in between. The 40+ volunteer judges had their Clockwise from top left corner: The judges deliberate; work cut out for them in selecting the winners for the Anneke Aasman speaks with some judges about her project; Menna Zanger demonstrates fiddling styles for various prizes available, including both grade-specific and judge Sally Robinson; Christian Thomas, YG Senior special topic categories. Ultimately, 20 hard-working Projects Archaeologist, shows some eager students a students took home awards. drone used in field work; The YTM main exhibition hall While not showing off their projects, students participated filled with projects and visitors. in educational activities at the Beringia Centre. This year, Photo Credit: Bruce Barrett

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Training Report: Rapid Strategic Update from the Yukon Heritage Planning | Lianne Maitland Resources Board | Morgen Smith

Strategic planning—it’s not exactly something you’d think At its May meeting, the Board reviewed applications for of as rapid, is it? Wayne Hussey, creator of the the 2017 intake to the Yukon Historic Resources Fund Navigator© Strategic Planning Process, decided that it (YHRF) program and made funding recommendations. should be. Tired of creating strategic plans that were This year, $17,000 was made available for these projects obsolete by the time they were finally approved, he told a through interest generated by the fund and supplemental friend that he could take his friend’s business through the funding from the Yukon Government Department of strategic planning process in just two days. And so, the Tourism and Culture. Minister Jeannie Dendys approved Navigator© Strategic Planning Process was born. the Board’s recommendations to fund the following projects: On April 5, I attended Wayne’s workshop, “Rapid Strategic Planning: Oxymoron or useful tool?,” at the • Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church: Improvements Canadian Museums Association national conference in to Quonset Church Grounds Ottawa. While I went into the workshop with a fair understanding of the purpose and importance of strategic • Patricia Ellis: Boom Eras in Whitehorse: 1900 - 1942 planning, I came out feeling energized and much more confident in my ability to undertake a strategic planning • Michael and Kathy Gates: George Black Historical project. The instructor’s method was designed to be Research Project suitable for organizations at all levels and abilities and was straightforward, clear, and grounded in practicality. • Anne Morgan: Caribou Hotel Research Project One of the best aspects of this workshop was that we • Teslin Tlingit Council: Symposium on the Significance were given the time to do some preliminary work on actual of Culturally Modified Trees strategic planning elements for our organizations. We didn’t just discuss mission and vision statements, we had The 2017 Yukon/Stikine Heritage Fair was a great the opportunity to draft mission and vision statements for success, bringing participants from around the territory! our organizations and then share them with the group to YHRB members assisted with judging and participant receive feedback from both the instructor and the other recognition, and are always impressed by students’ participants. Mission and vision statements are something enthusiasm and dedication. that can make or break an organization, yet they are often The Board participated in the review process for the done poorly. Wayne stressed the need to include the federal Cultural Property Export and Import Act, engaging “why” – the impact, the benefits we bring – and not just the Parties and providing recommendations to the Minister the “what.” This is especially important for non-profits— on updating the Act. The Board also reviewed and after all, those impacts are our whole reason for being, as provided input on a draft heritage management plan for well as the aspect that most drives support for an the Keno Hill mining district. organization and its activities. The YHRB hosted an exhibitor table at the June CYFN We also discussed strategic thrusts and were given the General Assembly, and members have represented the opportunity to formulate our own. This is another area in Board this summer at the Da Kų Nän Ts'étthèt Dance which many organizations fail, as their strategic thrusts Festival, the Haa Ḵusteeyí Celebration, and events aren’t truly strategic, and again, where having the celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Alaska Highway. opportunity to draft our own and receive feedback was very valuable. It can be difficult to think at a higher, Current YHRB members are Anne Leckie (Chair), Frances strategic level rather than on a more direct, day-to-day Asp (Vice-Chair), Ron Chambers, Roger Ellis, John level, but this exercise helped me to take those more day- Firth, Red Grossinger, Sharon A. Peter, Nancy Pope, to-day elements and define them instead at a strategic Annette Sinclair, and Testloa Smith. level. The Board’s next meeting will take place in Whitehorse on All in all, I felt this was a valuable workshop both in terms September 15-16. YHRB welcomes comments from the of gaining practical skills and in gaining insights into the heritage community and the public related to its activities challenges facing museums and other sectoral or any Yukon heritage issues. We can be reached by organizations across the country, and how they are phone at (867) 668-7150 or by email at handling them or considering handling them. I look yhrb@.net. forward to putting my new skills and knowledge to work at YHMA.

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MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

Culture Days / Doors Open 2017: What’s On the Menu?

Culture Days / Doors Open 2017 is coming up September 29 to October 1, 2017! As usual, this year will feature a variety of free public events that that celebrate culture and invite Yukoners to be tourists in their own town. What’s going on in the world of heritage that weekend, you ask? We’re glad you did! Here’s the lowdown: Doors Open at T.C. Richards Building 302 Steele Street, Whitehorse Friday, September 29, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm Doors Open MacBride Museum 1124 Front Street, Whitehorse Come learn about the history and architecture of the T.C. Saturday, September 30, 10am-4pm Richards Building. Built in 1944, it is the most central and prominent of the residences in Whitehorse that were MacBride Museum will open their doors to visitors free of influenced by the American Arts & Crafts Movement charge in celebration of Yukon Culture Days 2017. combined with an (American) Colonial Revival Style. Archaeology & Palaeontology Lab Doors Open at Captain Martin House 133A Industrial Road, Whitehorse 305 Wood Street, Whitehorse Saturday, September 30, 11am-3pm Friday, September 29, 10am-3pm See behind the scenes where our territorial archaeologists Come learn about the history and architecture of Captain and palaeontologists work! Martin House. Although modest by southern standards, Captain Martin House was one of the grander homes in Mystery Tour Whitehorse and is one of a few remaining in Whitehorse The Roundhouse from the early part of the twentieth century. 1127 Front Street, Whitehorse Saturday, September 30, 12:15-4:45pm Doors Open at Donnenworth House 3126 3rd Avenue, Whitehorse Sign up for this unique tour where participants get shuttled Friday, September 29, 10:30am-1pm & 2pm-4:30pm around Whitehorse to 3 never-before-seen spots in the city! The lineup for this year is incredible. There will be 3 Come learn about the history and architecture of the tours departing throughout the day starting at 12:15pm, Donnenworth House. Constructed in 1905 and still in its and leaving every hour and a half! original location, it is distinctive as one of the last Whitehorse buildings retaining its original canvas and Curators Walk at the Yukon Art Centre frame materials. 300 College Drive, Whitehorse Saturday, September 30, 12:30-2pm Innovative Museum Experience Old Log Church Museum Head to the Yukon Art Centre for a guided tour of their 303 Elliot Street, Whitehorse exhibitions. Friday, September 29, 12-5pm; Saturday, September 30, Fireside Chats at Donnenworth House 9am-5pm; Sunday, October 1, 9am-5pm 3126 3rd Avenue, Whitehorse Saturday, September 30, 1-4pm Museum Hackatho-Yukon 2017 is a three-day creative sprint that will take place from September 22- 24 at the In celebration of its 40th anniversary, YHMA invites you Old Log Church Museum. A multidisciplinary team will to drop by historic Donnenworth House to sit a while and enrich the museum through the development of an enjoy tea and cake while listening to stories about the innovative experience using new technologies. The public history of YHMA and the changing face of Yukon heritage. is invited to experience the prototype during Culture Days. Doors Open at Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre Transportation Stories & Songs Km 1423 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse Yukon Transportation Museum Sunday, October 1, 12-5pm 30 Electra Crescent, Whitehorse Friday & Saturday, September 29-30, 2-4pm Come celebrate Culture Days / Doors Open with the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre! Transportation Stories and Songs is by and for seniors. Come and join in on this exciting activity! There’s more! Find them at https://goo.gl/ZawXDX.

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

The Yukon Heritage Training Fund provides support for training and professional development opportunities for the Yukon heritage sector. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Intake deadlines are October 15, January 15, April 15, and July 15.

Visit heritageyukon.ca, email [email protected], or call 667-4704 for more information.

Have you received funding from YHTF? We’d love to share your experiences in this newsletter. Contact us if you’d like to contribute!

Support provided by the Yukon Government’s Department of Advanced Education

Yukon Historical & Museums Association

3126 Third Avenue, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1E7 p: 867-667-4704 | f: 867-667-4506 [email protected] | heritageyukon.ca | @Yukonheritage

Established in 1977, YHMA works to inspire and share a passion for Yukon heritage. Our membership reflects the scope and diversity of the Yukon heritage community.

Our newsletter is published twice annually. Copies of previous issues are available at heritageyukon.ca. Want to stay up-to-date between issues? Subscribe to our weekly e-bulletin by visiting our website or by sending us an email.