Yukon Historical & Museums Association Newsletter Spring-Summer 2015| Whitehorse, Yukon Inside this YHMA’s Wicket Good Time: issue: Second Annual Charity Croquet Tournament Message from Elaine Taylor, 2 Minister of Tourism & Culture Executive Director’s Report 3 YHMA News and Events 4 News, events and history from 5-8 the Yukon heritage community Established in 1977, YHMA is a registered charity that works to inspire and share a passion for Yukon heritage. Our newsletter is published on a quarterly basis. Copies of previous newsletters are available for download on the YHMA website: www.heritageyukon.ca For the latest news and events, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Top: 2015 tournament champions Croquet Monsieur, with runner-up team M&M. Below: spectators take in the action. (photo credit: Bruce Barrett) PAGE 2 SPRING-SUMMER 2015| Message from Elaine Taylor, Minister of Tourism and Culture This summer season was yet another successful one for Yu- kon’s cultural, heritage and tourism businesses and organiza- tions. In just three short months we welcomed thousands of visi- tors from all over the world and showcased our northern hospi- tality and spectacular attractions. On July 18, the Yukon government and the Selkirk First Nation sponsored a successful Parks Day event at Fort Selkirk, a terri- torially designated Yukon Historic Site. Visitors to Fort Selkirk had an opportunity to tour the site and enjoyed live music by participants in a song-writing workshop organized by Yukon musician Kim Beggs. A highlight of the day was an afternoon performance by the Selkirk Spirit Dancers from the Selkirk First Nation. On July 20, I was pleased to join the City of Whitehorse, Yukon Heritage Resources Board (YHRB) and members of the heritage sector for the commemoration of the Old Log Church and Recto- In closing, I would also like to recognize the Yukon Transporta- ry as a Yukon Historic Site. The church and rectory are also the tion Museum (YTM) on having recently celebrated 25 years. latest to receive designation as Whitehorse Municipal Historic Museums and First Nation cultural centres are leaders in pro- Sites. tecting, preserving and interpreting Yukon’s heritage. The Yu- kon government values the work of these institutions and is The Yukon Church Heritage Society nominated the site for des- pleased to provide assistance in support of their continued ignation and the YHRB made the recommendation for designa- operations. Thank you and congratulations YTM on bringing to tion. Our historic sites help to preserve legacies for future gener- life over 100 years of transportation history in Yukon! ations and act as powerful reminders of Yukon’s history for the territory’s visitors and residents. This summer was an exciting time and another success be- cause of the dedication and professionalism of those who work in our cultural, heritage and tourism sectors. Congratulations on another great season and thank you for all that you do in support of Yukon Heritage. Elaine Taylor Minister of Tourism and Culture L-R: Councillor Jessie Dawson, KDFN; Rt. Rev. Larry Robert- son, Bishop of Yukon; Mayor Dan Curtis; Minister Elaine Tay- lor, Anne Leckie, Chair, Yukon Heritage Resources Board; Linda Thistle, president, Yukon Church Heritage Society. SPRING-SUMMER 2015| PAGE 3 From the Desk of the Executive Director Greetings from the Donnenworth House! There have been a few changes in the faces at the YHMA office. Jennifer Bowen Allen has finished up with YHMA and moved to Alberta to complete her studies—we’re sad to see her go, but wish her well with this new, exciting life chapter. Liam Campbell will continue working with YHMA this fall, and we’re pleased to welcome Dan Becker on board as this year’s intern. It’s been another busy spring and summer for the Yukon heritage community. Just to give a slice of the action: In Watson Lake, the historical society will be moving into their new offices in the historic airport terminal building later this fall. In Dawson, planning for the Tr’ondëk-Klondike World Heritage Site nomination continues, led by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. Parks Canada has also initiated an update to the Klon- dike National Historic Site Complex management plan. This summer, Teslin played host to the Ha Kus Tyea Celebra- tion—a biennial celebration of all things Inland Tlingit—and the our joint internship program in the communities. The program George Johnston Museum received a beautiful new façade cour- is quickly proving to be a win-win-win that helps address ca- tesy of local artist Keith Wolfe Smarch. pacity issues, provides a great work experience for an early Keno is becoming a real heritage tourist hotspot, with historic career professional and encourages cooperation and collabo- buildings like the Keno City Hotel (recipient of the 2015 Conser- ration among participating institutions. We’re looking forward to vation Project of the Year Award), a host of special events held sharing the results of the pilot and exploring opportunities to over the summer, and of course the Keno City Mining Museum expand the program to other communities. and the area’s stunning natural heritage to take in. Looking ahead, YHMA is busy preparing for the Yukon Herit- In Whitehorse, the Old Log Church Museum recently celebrated age Symposium. This annual event will be held on Monday, both municipal and Territorial historic site designation, while the October 19th in Whitehorse—save the date! The Symposium Yukon Transportation Museum celebrates its 25 year anniver- is a chance to meet new colleagues and catch up with old sary with a host of special events. The MacBride Museum of ones, be inspired by new ideas and trends from outside of the Yukon History also welcomed visitors to the newly restored Territory, and share knowledge and best practices on what Woodchuck earlier this summer. works in the Yukon. All members of the Yukon heritage com- munity are invited to attend. Our annual charity croquet tournament was held on August 1. With the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site in Whitehorse as As always, news and feedback are appreciated. Feel free to backdrop, ten teams faced off in fierce and fun competition. This drop us a line, pick up the phone, or swing by the office. fundraising event raised over $4,000 for YHMA, which will sup- port our ongoing operations, including the maintenance of the historic Donnenworth and Smith Houses. A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, partners, volunteers and participants for another fun day! This summer, YHMA has been working with the George John- ston Museum and the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre on a pilot of PAGE 4 SPRING-SUMMER 2015| YHMA EVENTS Second Annual YHMA Charity Croquet Tournament On Saturday, August 1st, YHMA hosted a fierce and friendly croquet tournament on the scenic lawns of the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site. Returning teams duked it out with new- comers for great prizes and bragging rights. Mother Nature was a little late to the event, so teams demonstrated their grit and determination as they toughed it out through monsoon showers in the morning. By the afternoon, the weather cooperated to provide a hot, sunny backdrop to the final rounds. All were invited to toast the day during an après croquet, follow- ing the awards ceremony. Featuring live music courtesy of Gary Lachance and the Silver Ravens, and special tours of the S.S. Klondike by the Yukon Culture Cruiser, participants rounded out a wonderful day. A big thank you to our sponsors, volunteers and participants Photo Credit: Bruce Barrett who helped make this event a success: we raised over $4,000 for YHMA! Check out more photos from the 2015 Charity Cro- If you missed the action fret not, we are already planning next quet Tournament on our Flickr page: search for year’s tournament, which will be held on Saturday, July 30th! ‘Yukonheritage’ or visit https://flic.kr/s/aHskh3n3eb Category Team First Place Croquet Monsieur: Kate-Lynn Flanagan and Miles Hume Second Place M & M: Marc Johnston and Marlene Karnouk Third Place The Nee-Dippers: Liz Hanson and Melissa Atkinson Yukon Transportation Museum/Miles Canyon Historic Railway Society: Sticky Wicket (last place) Katrina Wohlfarth and Angela Drainville Best Team Spirit The Nee-Dippers: Liz Hanson and Melissa Atkinson Best Costume, Period. Lamarche & Lang: Graham Lang and Andrew Johnson Outcrop Yukon * White Pass & Yukon Route * Cathers Wilderness Adventures * NVD * PR Services * Yukon Wildlife Preserve * Klondike Visitors Association * Bridges Café * Yukon Springs * Yukon Culture Cruiser * Gary Lachance and the magician-musicians * all of the wonderful donors to our Silent Auction SPRING-SUMMER 2015| PAGE 5 Yukon College’s Heritage and Culture Field School 2015 The Yukon College ANTH 144: Heritage and Culture Field School officially wrapped up on June 31, 2015. This year’s course was instructed by Susan Moorhead Mooney, who was assisted by Eryn MacGillivray, Student Training and Employment Program (STEP) student for the School of Liberal Arts. All five of the students who participated in this year’s course were enrolled in programs at the Yukon Col- lege and the University of Victoria, and all five have roots in northern communities, including Burwash Landing, Old Crow, Inuvik, and Whitehorse. This transferable six-credit, four-week experiential field school was designed to introduce students to practical her- itage and culture management skills. This year’s class fo- cused on archives (photo digitization at the Yukon Ar- chives), conservation and collections (garment storage/ padded hangers workshop), archaeology (tour of artifact Debra-Leigh Reti, Shannon Van Bibber, Emily McDou- gall, Eryn MacGillivray, Sheri Atlin, and Barb Hogan go- collections at YTG Cultural Services Branch and excava- ing over maps at Robinson Roadhouse historic site.