NEWS RELEASE: Yukon Native Language Centre Fluent Speaker Recognition and Graduation Ceremony

By June 9, 2023June 11th, 2023News Release

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Native Language Centre Fluent Speaker Recognition and Graduation took place today, honouring a number of Elder fluent speakers and 13 certificate and 2 diploma graduates in the Indigenous Language Proficiency programs from Simon Fraser University (SFU).

We are proud to celebrate Elders who generously shared their valuable language knowledge, along with the achievements of the graduates and who are all instrumental in our progress in language revitalization.

The Council of Yukon First Nations honours the fluent speakers of our traditional languages and their commitment in sharing their knowledge and setting an example to inspire others. Graduates and fluent speakers are moving us closer to language revitalization and ensures that the next generation of speakers are given the opportunities to succeed.

– CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston

For further information contact:
Roni-Sue Sparvier
Communications Advisor, Council of Yukon First Nations
P: 867.393.9200 ext. 9223 | C: 867.334.6753
cyfn.ca | communications@cyfn

FLUENT SPEAKERS

Ida Calmegane                                                  Carcross/Tagish First Nation (CTFN)
Lorraine Allen                                                    Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN)
Tulhèsen – Lena Johnson                                   Kluane First Nation (KFN)
Dzedéhʼīnīmā – Leda Jules                                 Liard First Nation (LFN)
Agnes Charlie                                                    Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN)
Shirley Joe                                                         Selkirk First Nation (SFN)
Kudagaan (Ku da gone) – Madeleine Jackson  Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC)
Edward Robert                                                  Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH)
Florence Mary Netro                                        Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN)
Ruth Johnny                                                      White River First Nation (WRFN)

Yukon Native Language Centre Certificate and Diploma Graduates

CERTIFICATE GRADUATES

Ch’áak’ Yádi – Abigail Turner                   Łingít                   Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC)
Shàn Tlaa – Nicole Welin                         Łingít                   Carcross/Tagish First Nation (CTFN)
Äyínzhia – Cory Holway                           Dän Kʼè                Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN)
Béebii Zhōh – Stewart Tizya                    Dän Kʼè                Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (TKC)
Dlèt Hîn Tlâ  – Taneshia Jules                  Łingít                   Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC)
Gūzāgī Kī́ʼī́hłā Mā – Emeral Poppe          Dene Kʼeh            Liard First Nation (LFN)
Khàghanê – Zoe Grant-Wolfe                 Łingít                   Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC)
Khusínûkʼ – Leah Smarch                        Łingít                   Liard First Nation (LFN)
Shä̀wkwälità – Nathan Easterson-Moore Dän Kʼè              Kluane First Nation (KFN) 
Sherri Lafreniere                        Dän Kʼè              First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (NNDFN)
Shgùnàkh – Cordell Jules                       Łingít                   Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC)
Tagàyä́tä̀y – Dustin Hill             Dän Kʼè                Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN)
Lindsay Chambers                    Dän Kʼè                Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN)

DIPLOMA GRADUATES

Gádzûsdà – Tahyah Van Bibber             Łingít                   Selkirk First Nation (SFN)
Shayawdustee – Pricilla Dawson           Dän Kʼè               Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN)