Community events celebrate National Aboriginal Day across Yukon

FOR RELEASE
June 20, 2017

Community events celebrate National Aboriginal Day across Yukon

Yukoners and visitors will have many opportunities to celebrate National Aboriginal Day, which was declared a statutory holiday in Yukon on May 8, 2017. Events are taking place in communities throughout Yukon including a community walk in Whitehorse, hosted by the Government of Yukon.

There are also events planned in Carcross, Dawson, Haines Junction, Mayo and Old Crow.

Quotes

“We are very excited to host an event celebrating National Aboriginal Day, also marking its first year as a statutory holiday in Yukon. National Aboriginal Day promotes greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and traditions. This day offers tremendous opportunity for reconciliation between Indigenous Peoples and other Canadians.”

–Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys

“I was very pleased when the Yukon Legislative Assembly passed the bill declaring National Aboriginal Day a statutory holiday in May. First Nations are holding Aboriginal Day events throughout the territory and I encourage all Yukoners and visitors to come and celebrate this historic holiday with us.”

–Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

Quick facts

The National Aboriginal Day community walk is intended to bring together Indigenous Peoples, families, multicultural and community groups, the general public, as well as visitors, to participate in and celebrate Indigenous cultures and heritage in Yukon.

The walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre. There will be performances by the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers and DJ Dash, followed by presentations from the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nation dignitaries at 10:30 a.m.

This will be followed by a walk along the Yukon River at 11 a.m. There will be a stop at the healing totem at the foot of Main Street to recognize and honour those who have been impacted by the residential school system. The walk will continue to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre where a sacred fire will be lit at noon. Festivities will continue at the cultural centre until 8 p.m.
National Aboriginal Day was announced in 1996 as a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Learn more: National Aboriginal Day Community Walk Facebook event

Contact:

Stephanie Brown
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nation
867-393-9200 ext. 100
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@nullgov.yk.ca

Stefanie Richardson
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
stefanie.richardson@nullgov.yk.ca