Do you know a citizen or group that deserves a shout out? We’re looking to celebrate successes, big and small, online and in every issue of the KDFN newsletter. Get in touch with our communications team by calling 867-334-2012 or emailing communications@kdfn.net

Language Learners

Through a partnership between KDFN and the Yukon Native Language Centre, four KDFN citizens are on a work study program where they’re paid to learn their language.

Michelle Charlie, Cory Holway and Kathleen Dawson are learning Southern Tutchone. Kitana Sterriah is learning Northern Tutchone.

We can’t wait to see how you use this knowledge in the future!

Health care heroes

In December 2021 and January 2022, KDFN’s health and wellness team offered three vaccine clinics for citizens, members of their
households and employees.

A big thank you to all of the health care staff and everybody working hard to get Yukoners vaccinated, and thanks to everyone doing their part to keep themselves and others safe.

Young artists at work

You may have noticed some flashy new artwork on the KDFN holiday greeting cards this year. The young creative minds at Dusk’a Head Start Family Learning Centre let us use their designs for the cards.

There were nine different artworks in total.

Great job, kids!!

And the winner is…

KDFN’s Youth Rec team put on a contest for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (a.k.a Orange Shirt Day), and Jayden sent in the winning submission! We had his entry printed on orange hoodies for him and his family.

Way to go Jayden!

Finding Peace…
As part of the Finding Peace project, a statue of a woman playing a drum was installed on the Whitehorse waterfront at Rotary Park in September. It’s intended to raise awareness of the ongoing issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in the Yukon and northern British Columbia, and honour the victims and their families.

The project was driven by families who had lost loved ones, in partnership with the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle, the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society, KDFN, Teslin Tlingit Council, City of Whitehorse and the Yukon government.

“To no longer stay out of sight and out of mind. This monument is for the mothers, the aunties, the sisters, the daughters, and the friends that we have lost. Each had their own goals, dreams, and experiences. Each had contributions to make to our world. We remember them. We honour their lives. And we raise awareness with the public and the people we love, so no more women and girls will be lost.”

-Chief Doris Bill at the statue unveiling

Welcoming a new Whitehorse City Council…

In November, KDFN representatives were invited to the new Whitehorse City Council’s swearing-in ceremony. Sean Smith and Elder Dianne Smith offered a prayer, Ray Sydney drummed and Elder Judy Gingell welcomed in the new mayor and councillors.

Whitehorse Council meets on Monday evenings. Elections take place every three years.