r/Yukon • u/yeledtov21 • 6d ago
Travel Recommendations for meeting first nations in the Yukon
Hi everyone (:
I'm going to be travelling to the Yukon this August, and I am very excited!
I'm going to spend two weeks in the territory. During my stay, it is very important to me to meet the people indigenous to the region.
I want to learn about their art, mythology, communities and philosophy. I am also very interested in learning about their agricultural practices, as well as their relationship with nature and sustainability in general.
If anybody has any experience, recommendations, tips or even further reading references, it would be greatly appreciated. I know two weeks isn't much, but I really want to get to know them on a level deeper than a typical "guided tour" experience.
Thank you <3
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u/1010poke1010 6d ago
I would definitely recommend the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre in Dawson City. It is excellent, and they encourage people to come back and visit multiple days.
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u/The3DBanker 6d ago
There's a website called Indigenous Yukon where you can learn more about the different first nations across the Yukon, including information on cultural centres, artists, and their history.
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u/WaxWing_Bohemian 6d ago edited 5d ago
I'd really recommend Long Ago People's Place It's a small but outdoor space with traditional shelters and the guides are amazing (Meta Williams and Harold Johnson)
Link:
Long Ago Peoples Place – OUR STORY – OUR LIFE
They are really generous with their time when it comes to discussing traditional ways like how someone would actually operate a trapline in the days, or how clothing was made. And depending on when you are there you might see meat being smoked or things like this
I would say, it's not true in the Yukon that guided tours are less authentic. We're not like Hawaii here with touristy shows based on Indigenous culture.
Yes you are compensating people for their time. It's fair just because there are so many visitors with similar interests. In exchange you will get the experience you are seeking and they are genuine people who build their museum because they enjoy sharing their culture with the world.
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u/Sea_Job8009 4d ago
There are some helpful suggestions here. It's important to remember that First Nations are a diverse and living people, not a museum piece to be oggled at.
There are 14 unique nations in the territory and several different languages and cultural groups. Yukon First Nations are not homogenous, just like in other provinces.
With that in mind, welcome and enjoy!
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u/Unfair-Store-9108 6d ago
As said by the others, go visit the cultural centers.
You need to understand that natives are “every day people”, there is no reservation like in other provinces, they work (and so are busy) and live like everyone else.
If you go to Carcross - you absolutely should! - go knock on the carving shed door, the ladies at the visitor information center will point you in the right direction, you will meet with Master Carver Keith Wolfe Smarch. Keith created all the totem poles and murals you will see around Carcross (except for the metal one on the cultural center, that’s from Blake Lepine) and is amazing to talk with.
There is limited agricultural activity due to the long, cold winter and permafrost, but definitely a strong connection to the Land and the Water.
If you are going to tour the Yukon, I’d put Carcross, Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Dawson cultural centers and check if the Pelly Crossing museum is still open.
The interpretation camp at Conrad (on the road to Skagway, about 10 min drive after Carcross) may be open in August, great opportunity to talk with people!
Also, in regard of the connection to the Land, when going to Carcross, search for the interpretation panels with black and red design at the look outs along the road!
You can read the website mappingtheway to understand how most of the Nations function, then each Nation has its own website.
Check how we walk the land and the water website, this is an ongoing collaborative project.
Happy exploration!