— Indigenous Yukon: A GoMedia Journey —
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is excited to announce the recent International Media FAM in Yukon, which took place from September 4 to 11, 2024. The familiarization tour was delivered in partnership with the Yukon First Nations Cultural Tourism Association (YFNCT) and Destination Canada. It provided an immersive Indigenous experience in the Yukon, visiting Whitehorse, Dawson City, Carcross, Haines Junction, and beyond.
During this tour, four journalists from Canada, France, Japan, and South Korea were treated to unique experiences such as a visit to Fort Selkirk with Tutchone Tours, visiting the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, the Carving Shed in Carcross, and enjoying Aurora viewing in Dawson City and Whitehorse. Guided by Ryan Rogers, ITAC’s Communications Manager, and YFNCT, the tour highlighted the rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism experiences in the Yukon.
Here are some of the tour highlights:
Day One: Whitehorse, the Traditional Territory of Kwanlin Dun First Nations and the Ta’an Kwachan Council
The group stayed at the Edgewater Hotel with a view of the majestic Yukon River and dined at Belly of the Bison, which offered upscale comfort food and cocktails.
Day Two: Carcross, the Traditional Territory of the Carcross Tagish First Nation and Dawson City, the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
The journalists met Gary Sidney Johnson, a drummer, singer, dancer, and Tlingit language teacher, at Haa Shagóon Hídi (Our Ancestors House) to learn more about Tlingit culture and ways of life in Carcross. A welcome fire was lit, followed by a tour of the totem poles.
Later, the group met Keith Wolfe Smarch, Tlingit Master Carver, at the Carving Shed on the Carcross waterfront. Keith carved panels, masks, dance screens, totem poles and designed regalia.
Klondike Experience offered an Aurora Tour. The operator guided the journalists to an Aurora viewing area outside of Dawson City, where they experienced stunning photo opportunities and breathtaking views.
Day Three: Dawson City, the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
The Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre invited the journalists to explore the rich history and culture of the Klondike’s first people. On-site staff were available for questions and deeper discussions.
Next, The Fishwheel Charters Tour featured a unique and authentic Yukon river experience based on traditional Hän lifestyles, highlighting how the Hän people lived in harmony with the land before Dawson existed. Local Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Elder Tommy Taylor shared his First Nation heritage and culture with guests. The two-hour scenic Yukon River tour was both informative and enriching.
Day Four: Dawson City, the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
The day began with a Workshop & Lunch with Jackie Olson, an Indigenous artist and educator from Dawson City. Her art and teaching practices blended contemporary and traditional approaches, and she worked hard to build resiliency and sustainability in her community.
Next was the Red Serge, Red Tape Tour with Parks Canada at the Commissioner’s Residence, exploring colonial impacts on Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. This program encouraged participants to consider their responsibility for reconciliation and building a better future.
Day Five: Haines Junction, the Traditional Territory of the Shadhäla Äshèyi yè Kwädän (Champagne and Aishihik First Nations)
A Custom Tour at Da Kų (Our House) Cultural Centre celebrated the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations’ culture. As a teaching and interpretive facility, Da Kų offered programs for Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizens and the public. Da Kų honoured the language, stories, and deep connection to the land that sustained their living culture.
A Guided Hike at Kathleen Lake with Amber Berard-Althouse, a Tlingit woman and Kluane First Nations citizen, followed. She began her work as a Parks Canada interpreter in 2014, sharing the history and culture of Yukon First Nations. Committed to wellness and preserving Indigenous knowledge, Amber encouraged others to embrace holistic living and celebrate her heritage.
A Campfire Dinner and Storytelling experience at Da Kų Fire Pit with Ron Chambers rounded out the day. At the edge of Kluane National Park, Ron Chambers welcomed the group with campfire storytelling, sharing his Peoples’ perspectives and way of life. His stories deepened their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture.
Day Six: Haines Junction, the Traditional Territory of the Shadhäla Äshèyi yè Kwädän (Champagne and Aishihik First Nations) and Whitehorse, the Traditional Territory of the Kwanlin Dun First Nations and the Ta’an Kwachan Council.
The tour of Thechàl Dhâl (Sheep Mountain) was led by Gùdia – Mary Jane Johnson, a Lhu’ààn Mân Ku Dashaw Elder with over 50 years of work on cultural, environmental, and Indigenous language issues. A champion for language revitalization, she continued to contribute to boards and committees focused on reconciliation and cultural preservation. During the tour, the group explored the region’s history, flora, fauna, and the Alaska Highway’s impact on Yukon First Nations.
Picnic Lunch and Workshop at Kluane Outdoor Inspirations allowed the group to enjoy a picnic lunch with Pauly Sias, a Kluane First Nation citizen, and her partner, Jady Hurlburt. The group also participated in a Donjek berry-making workshop and explored the Kluane First Nation region through Pauly’s insights.
Sky High Wilderness Ranch provided a Dogsled Ride & Horse Trail Ride. This ranch, located on Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) just 30 minutes from Whitehorse, offered thrilling adventures like dog sledding, horseback riding, and off-grid cabin stays. Proudly owned by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the ranch emphasized the well-being of dogs and horses and respected the land.
Day Seven: Fort Selkirk, Traditional Territory of the Selkirk First Nation and Whitehorse, the Traditional Territory of Kwanlin Dun First Nations and the Ta’an Kwachan Council
The tour concluded with Tutchone Tours, where the group arrived at Minto Landing along the Pelly River for a special boat and walking tour of the historic Fort Selkirk with Tutchone Tours. They experienced the site with cultural leader and Heritage Manager Teri-Lee Isaac and her partner William Smith.
The evening ended with Aurora Viewing with Who What Where Tours to close the journey.
The media FAM tour was proudly supported by the Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association, Destination Canada, and organized in partnership with ITAC. It was an incredible showcase of Indigenous cultures in the Yukon, providing the journalists with a deep appreciation of the region’s traditions, stories, and landscapes.