AGA Host Committee Schedule of Events
Transcription
AGA Host Committee Schedule of Events
WELCOME TO OUR YUKON Assembly of First Nations 34th Annual General Assembly Whitehorse, Yukon | July 16-18, 2013 ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | i Pauline Cove Beaufort Sea Tuktoyaktuk Old Crow Inuvik Fairbanks Fort McPherson A r c t i c Eagle Plains D A Gwich’in N U A . S . A . Circle Hot Springs C A Delta Junction C i r c l e Alaska Eagle Hän Chicken Tok Dawson City Upper Tanana Yukon Mayo A Northern Tutchone Pelly Crossing D Burwash Landing C A N U Keno City Stewart Crossing Southern Tutchone A . S . A . Beaver Creek Destruction Bay Tłingit North West Territories Carmacks Faro Ross River Haines Junction Whitehorse Yakutat Carcross Kaska Tagish Teslin Tłingit Atlin, BC Haines Skagway British Columbia Pacific Ocean D A C A N A Fort Liard A . U . S . ii | WELCOME TO OUR LAND Watson Lake Liard River Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Greetings 8 Schedule of Events 10 Part of the Land, Part of the Water 12 Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow 14 Cultural Events 18 Acknowledgements Cover Images L eft: Elijah Smith (front right) with Yukon Chiefs and advisors in Ottawa for presentation of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, 1973. Photo courtesy Judy Gingell. M iddle: Signing of Umbrella Final Agreement, 1993. Front row: Judy Gingell (c), INAC Minister Tom Siddon (l), Premier John Ostashek (r); back row: (l-r) Chiefs Dave Keenan, Paul Birckel, Robert Hager, Robert Bruce. Government of Canada photo. R ight: Cherish Clarke and daughter at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, Grand Opening. Photo courtesy Fritz Mueller Photography. Artwork courtesy Mark Preston—Tenna-Tsa-Teh ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 1 Photo: Government of Canada GREETINGS Former KDFN Chief Mike Smith holding KDFN Final Agreement signed in Whitehorse in 2005. 2 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND As the AFN Regional Chief I am very pleased to extend a warm Yukon welcome to this 34th Annual General Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations. This is a significant occasion for all Yukon First Nations, and for the territory overall, as we welcome more than 500 chiefs, delegates and media from across Canada. We plan to show you the best of our best—with authentic traditional and contemporary fun, food, arts and performances—making this a memorable experience for all of you in the land of the midnight sun! Our people have always lived as “part of the land and part of the water” in this beautiful place. We adapted to the rugged terrain and the cold of winter, celebrated the bounty of summer and the quiet peace of open spaces. For countless generations our families travelled together, sharing life’s joys and challenges as self sufficient, skilled and independent people. More than a century ago the Klondike Gold Rush brought swift and vast changes, followed by the building of the Alaska Highway and more industrial development after WW II. Through all this upheaval we maintained our identity as Yukon peoples—preserving our languages, our knowledge and our values. Today we see our young people surging forward with renewed passion for learning their traditional ways, guided by our Elders and supported by the strength of our communities. This General Assembly coincides with the 40th anniversary of Together Today for Our children Tomorrow, our 1973 statement of claims. Led by Elijah Smith, Yukon Chiefs presented this document to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in Ottawa, the beginning of our long journey to self government. We negotiated for twenty years to establish our Umbrella Final Agreement in 1993. Today we celebrate that 20th anniversary with the first four self-governing nations—Champagne & Aishihik, Na-Cho Nyack Dun, Teslin Tlingit Council, and Vuntut Gwitch’in. Altogether we are now eleven self governing Yukon First Nations. Thank you for choosing the Yukon as your meeting place this year and for joining in our anniversary celebrations. We look forward to sharing this beautiful land we call home! Mike Smith Yukon Regional Chief Assembly of First Nations Welcome! Kwanlin Dün First Nation is proud to be a co-host First Nation of the 34th Annual General Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations here in Whitehorse, Yukon. Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography In this year of important anniversaries for Yukon First Nation land claims and self-government, we are honoured to welcome First Nations leaders and delegates from across Canada to our traditional territory for this important event. We look forward to meeting and learning from other First Nations, and to sharing our cultures, successes and warm Yukon hospitality. Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Chief Rick O’Brien, KDFN Rick O’Brien Chief, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Welcome Respected Chiefs and delegates to our traditional territory of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. We are honored to co-host the AFN Annual General Assembly with our Neighbor, Kwanlin Dün First Nation. This event offers opportunities for us to share our culture and heritage of the Southern Tuchone. We are excited to showcase the accomplishments of Yukon First Nations on the 40th anniversary of the landmark document, “Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow.” Enjoy your time in Yukon while we work together towards common goals for First Nations in Canada. Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Kristina Kane Chief, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Kristina Kane, TKC ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 3 Welcome Elders, Veterans, Chiefs, Delegates & Visitors: On behalf of the Council of Yukon First Nations I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to beautiful Whitehorse, Yukon. The Yukon is home to fourteen First Nations of which eleven are self-governing and we make up 24 percent of the current population. Whitehorse is the traditional Territory of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council as well as Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Grand Chief Ruth Massie, CYFN This year marks the 40th anniversary of our document “Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow”. Our document initiated the Yukon Land claim process and it is also the 20th anniversary of the Umbrella Final Agreement which lead the way to eleven Yukon First Nation final land claim and selfgovernment agreements. Please take the time to enjoy the magic and the mystery the Yukon has to offer, as well as the warm hospitality and the endless daylight. Mussi Cho In Unity, Ruth Massie Grand Chief, Council of Yukon First Nations 4 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND Welcome to the Yukon! Forty years ago, Yukon First Nations went to Ottawa for the presentation of “Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow”, the foundation document of the Yukon First Nation Land Claims. Since that historic presentation, Yukon First Nations have led the way in Canada in the success of their governments. I hope you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy our spectacular scenery and warm Yukon hospitality. I wish you the very best in your conference deliberations and safe travels home. Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography The Honourable Doug Phillips, Commissioner of Yukon Warm Regards, The Honourable Doug Phillips Commissioner of Yukon A warm welcome to National Chief Shawn A-In-Chut Atleo and all the delegates at the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Meeting. Photo: Christian Kuntz As Yukon’s Member of Parliament, I am honoured that you have chosen our great Territory to host this important gathering. I encourage you to embrace all the Yukon and our First Nations people have to offer - the richness and depth of its tradition and culture, our world class artists and performers, northern delicacies, and Yukon’s magical landscape. I wish you the best with your meetings. Welcome and enjoy! Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Ryan Leef, MP (Yukon) Ryan Leef, MP (Yukon) ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 5 On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I welcome First Nation Elders, Chiefs and others attending the 34th Assembly of First Nations’ Annual General Assembly. It is fitting this assembly is in Yukon this year as we celebrate several Yukon First Nation milestones: the 40th anniversary of Together Today for our Children Tomorrow, as well as the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Umbrella Final Agreement and Yukon’s first four Final and Self-government agreements. To learn more visit mappingtheway.ca. I wish you a successful assembly and a wonderful stay. Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Sincerely, Darrell Pasloski, Premier of Yukon Darrell Pasloski, Premier of Yukon Council and I would like to welcome you to the City of Whitehorse, located in the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwäch’än. We are very pleased to welcome you on this the 40th anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, the Yukon First Nation statement of claim, which set the stage for a new positive relationship between First Nation and non-First Nation peoples and governments in the Yukon. Mayor Dan Curtis Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Dan Curtis Mayor, City of Whitehorse 6 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND Northern Vision Development LP is excited to welcome the 2013 AFN General Assembly to our home in Whitehorse, Yukon! NVDLP is proud to be over 40% Yukon First Nations owned. Our collaborations with First Nation partners are an important part of our success and our growth in Yukon. We are delighted to be a Presenting Sponsor for the Yukon Regional Events for this prestigious event and hope all delegates enjoy every bit of their experience in Canada’s beautiful North. Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Richard S. Thompson, CEO NVDLP Richard S. Thompson, CEO, Northern Vision Development LP Executive Producer’s Welcome I have been honoured to work with the Host Committee to plan the Yukon Regional events for the 34th AFN Annual General Assembly, and with all the performers, artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations to create a wonderful program for this gathering of First Nations people from across the country. Our goal is to see our young people light up your hearts with the warmth of Yukon hospitality—in our way and in our style. We know they will amaze you with all their talents and their passion in reaching for the stars. This is a wonderful time of growth—we are welcoming the world to our homeland with energy and confidence, building a bright future on the firm foundations of our traditions and self-governance. We sincerely hope you enjoy your time with us as much as we enjoyed preparing for your visit. Shäwnithän—thank you to everyone who made this event so memorable! Katie Johnson Bella Elite Events & Consulting Katie Johnson, Bella Elite Events & Consulting ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 7 Photo: Government of Yukon SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2013 5:30pm – 9:00pm WELCOME FEAST Co-hosted by Kwanlin Dün First Nation & Ta’an Kwächän Council for the AFN Executive/Tri- Councils Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Longhouse MONDAY, JULY 15, 2013 23RD ANNUAL AFN FUNDRAISING GOLF TOURNAMENT Mountain View Golf Course – 250 Skookum Drive 5:00pm – 7:00pm AFN AGA PRE REGISTRATION FOR DELEGATES The Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre Ballroom B2 5:00pm – 6:00pm LIGHTING OF THE SACRED FIRE Ceremony – All Welcome 7:30am – 2:30pm Kwanlin Dün First Nation Cultural Centre (outside Fire Pit) TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013 6:30am PIPE CEREMONY/SACRED FIRE Kwanlin Dün First Nation Cultural Centre (outside Fire Pit) 8:00am – 5:00pm AFN AGA OPENING CEREMONIES/MEETING Special Commemorative Presentation on the 40th Anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow & 20th Anniversary of the Umbrella Final Agreement The Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre 9:00am – 5:00pm YUKON FIRST NATIONS REGIONAL TRADESHOW Open to the Public Next to the Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre 5:30pm – 7:00pm INDIGENACTION FUN RUN/WALK 5KM Friendship Walk/Run Registration 5:30pm Start time 6:00pm Millennium Trail start at F.H. Collins High School Parking Lot 6:00pm – 10:00pm CULTURAL NIGHT AT HELEN’S FISH CAMP Hosted by Ta’an Kwächän Council Join us for an evening of cultural experiences and activities with the Ta’an Kwäch’än people at their traditional fish camp. Come out and enjoy: stew and bannock, stick gambling, story telling, soap berry ice-cream, cultural demonstrations, drummers and other activities. Shuttles depart at 6:00 pm from the Coast High Country Inn & selected hotels Register at the Information Booth Note: this schedule may be subject to some changes. 8 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND Helen’s Fish Camp Lake Laberge WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2013 6:30am PIPE CEREMONY/SACRED FIRE Kwanlin Dün First Nation Cultural Centre (outside Fire Pit) 8:00am – 5:00pm AFN AGA MEETINGS The Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre 9:00am – 5:00pm YUKON FIRST NATIONS REGIONAL TRADESHOW Open to the Public Next to the Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre 6:30pm – 9:30pm YUKON FIRST NATIONS GALA & RECEPTION Presented by Northern Vision Development LP Reception starts at 6:30pm | Show starts at 8:00pm Shuttles provided for delegates leaving the Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre and selected hotels at 6:00pm When the Path Transforms Featuring the best of Northern artists sharing their stories, music & dance! Directed by internationally renowned director Alejandro Ronceria Gala Tickets: $50 per person | Available at Information Booth or online www.yukontickets.com Yukon Arts Centre THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 6:30am PIPE CEREMONY/SACRED FIRE Kwanlin Dün First Nation Cultural Centre (outside Fire Pit) 8:00am – 5:00pm AFN AGA MEETINGS The Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre 9:00am – 5:00pm YUKON FIRST NATIONS REGIONAL TRADESHOW Open to the Public Next to the Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre 5:30pm – 8:00pm COUNCIL OF YUKON FIRST NATIONS WINE & CHEESE RECEPTION FOR AFN DELEGATES Yukon Inn 4220, 4th Ave FREE POST-CONFERENCE TRIP TO HAINES JUNCTION 5:30pm – 10:00pm Haines Junction Note: this schedule may be subject to some changes. ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 9 PART OF THE LAND, PART OF THE WATER We are the Yukon’s First peoples, proud descendents of our Kwädày Kwädän (Long Ago Peoples). Our esteemed Teslin Elder, Virginia Smarch said our old people were “part of the land and part of the water.” They lived in harmony with this land for countless generations, immersed in its beauty, surviving on its resources, sustained by our culture, travelling and trading according to our own laws and lifeways. Today we gather up their wisdom and take it with us on journeys to new opportunities in the contemporary world. Our homeland is north of the 60th latitude, between the Northwest Territories and Alaska. The Yukon is a vast land of many contrasts—from lush southern forests, to more arid central regions of boreal forest, and north into taiga on arctic coastal plains with thousands of small lakes and muskeg. Mountains stand tall, interspersed with long deep lakes, swift flowing clear rivers, and thousands of smaller lakes and streams. Alaska Yukon NWT Larger mammals such as moose, caribou, and bear were and are sources of food United States 10 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND and hides for clothing. Smaller animals such as beaver, otter, muskrat, gopher, and many others also provide food and fur. Berries are abundant treasures— lingonberries (cranberry), blueberries, cloud berries, salmon berries, raspberries and strawberries gathered in summer sunshine and carefully stored for healthy meals. Salmon, trout, grayling, and whitefish provide rich protein and fat to sustain people through long cold winters The Yukon is a sensual paradise—aromas of sage, spruce and pine permeate valleys. The crunch of dry snow, crackling of ice, and sharp bite of cold announce winter’s arrival. Daytime skies are brilliant blue, with gorgeous sunrise and sunset hues of pink and lavender. Night skies shine in the magical aurora of northern lights and the brilliance of moon and stars seen through crystal clear atmosphere. The calls of wolf, coyote, squirrel, bluebird, raven and eagle intermingle with soft breezes and sometimes howling winds. “Midnight Sun.” Fall comes suddenly in late August with golden leaves and frosty nights. Snow falls in October and lasts until April. Winter temperatures can drop to -50C or colder (record of -86F in the 1940s), but average from -10 to -20C. Spring brings glorious reawakening in late March with longer daylight and millions of migrating birds—swans, geese, ducks, cranes—headed north to nest. This is a land fully enjoyed, much loved and cherished by the people who live here. Northern seasons are varied and extreme in nature—brief summers from June through August, with hot days under the Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Photo: Mark Rutledge ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 11 TOGETHER TODAY FOR OUR CHILDREN TOMORROW Photo: Yukon Archives. Claude & Mary Tidd fonds #7283. Studio portrait of (l-r) Gold Commissioner George P. Mackenzie, Chief Jim Boss (Kishwoot), Skookum Jim (Keish), Reverend W.G. Blackwell at Whitehorse, ca 1910. Chief Isaac at Discovery Day celebrations, Dawson City, 1924. 12 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND Despite many difficulties, our people played key roles in Yukon history. We supplied furs, food, and family to sustain the fur trade. Keish (Skookum Jim) helped discover the gold at Bonanza Creek starting the Klondike Gold Rush. Chief Isaac of Dawson shared his knowledge with Klondike stampeders. Kishwoot (Chief Jim Boss) recorded For many years our children were sent away to school, separated from family and culture. Children at St. Paul’s Hostel, Dawson City, ca 1940s. the first Yukon land claim in 1902. In the 1940s Kishwoot witnessed the building of the Alaska Highway when First Nation guides scouted trails and provided northern expertise. After World War II roads replaced river transport. Our children were sent to residential schools, separated for years from families and culture, losing touch with languages, skills, Photo: Yukon Archives. CYA, William Geddes fonds #9673 Photo: Yukon Archives. E.J. Hamacher fonds (Margaret and Rolf Hougen Collection), 2002/118 #174. Much has changed in the 150 years since newcomers began arriving in our land. The fur trade, Klondike Gold Rush, Alaska Highway, and other events brought rapid economic change, social upheaval and devastating epidemics. Governments established borders separating us from family and resources. Newcomers imposed education, religion, and policies to eliminate our traditions. Some changes were more difficult, altering our lives and lands forever. Our leaders realized we had to establish new political organizations to gain a say in Yukon development and regain control over our lives. We established the Yukon Native Brotherhood and the Yukon Association of Non Status Indians in the 1960s. We formed the Council for Yukon Indians, now called the Council of Yukon First Nations in the 1970s. We documented our traditional land use and stated our claims in a manifesto called: Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow, presented by our celebrated leader Elijah Smith and the Yukon Chiefs to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau on Parliament Hill in 1973. For thirty years we negotiated with the governments of Canada and the Yukon to establish the Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA), now enshrined in the Canadian Constitution. Eleven of our fourteen First Nations reached settlements plus Self Government Agreements under the UFA. The Upper Liard, Kaska Dena Council and White River First Nations continue discussions on their future. Our UFA is a milestone achievement—for Yukon First Nations, Yukon people and Canadians—a positive and peaceful reconciliation model for the world. “Our old ways and trails connect our past, present, and future— giving us direction to find new ways to work with our neighbours. in the Yukon and worldwide...” Our people have always worked together, relying on the land and our culture, to adapt and to survive. Today we live in settled communities, with modern homes, stores, schools, cars, cell phones and computers. We still travel on the land and the water, gathering food, strengthening our minds, and working to preserve the timeless beauty of the Yukon. We are stronger than ever, reclaiming our lands, renewing our languages and culture, reviving our beliefs, and reaching out to the world with our values and knowledge. Our drums are beating with new strength in unique combinations of past, present and future goals. We acknowledge many challenges in today’s realities. Global climate change, pollution and economic factors are causing declines in animal and fish populations. Social pressures sometimes Photo: Government of Canada and values. We suffered discrimination, were excluded from government and decisions made in our land, discouraged from following our traditional harvesting and cultural practices. Traditional Chief Glen Grady holds up Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Final Agreement at 2002 signing ceremony in Whitehorse, with (l-r) TKC Chair John Burdek, INAC Minister Robert Nault and Premier Pat Duncan. undermine our people and interfere with our goals. We remain focused on going forward with the responsibilities of Self Government, with strong and balanced decision making in our lives and our lands, building sustainable communities with strong families to live in harmony with the lands and waters our ancestors handed down to us. Thank you for listening to our stories. We invite you to visit us any time—you will be most welcome. We’ll feed you good food from the land and the water, we’ll make you laugh and dance. Our old ways and trails connect our past, present, and future—giving us direction to find new ways to work with our neighbours in the Yukon and worldwide, spreading the message to live wisely—together today for our children tomorrow. Grand Opening of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 13 Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Lighting of the Sacred Fire. July 15, 2013 As part of the Assembly of First Nations AGA, the host committee will be hosting a Sacred Fire, starting with a Lighting Ceremony at 5pm on Monday, July 15th at the Fire Pit of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. The Sacred Fire will burn for 3 days, with a Fire Keeper available during that time to support guests in making offerings. The Sacred Fire will be extinguished at 5pm on Thursday July 18th, 2013. 14 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND We invite all delegates to come and take part in this traditional practice that provides the opportunity to say special prayers or ask for blessings, and can be a time for meditation, healing or just to enjoy the spiritual uplift that a Sacred Fire can provide. WHAT: Sacred Fire WHERE: Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre WHEN: Lighting Ceremony 5pm - July 15th Fire burning - July 15th-18th Sacred Fire Extinguishing on July 18 at 5pm. Photo: Government of Yukon The Ta’an Kwäch’än Council would like to invite you to Helen’s Fish Camp at Lake Laberge. July 16, 2013 Join us for an evening of cultural experiences and activities at the Ta’an Kwäch’än people’s traditional fish camp. Come out and enjoy: stew and bannock, stick gambling, story telling, soap berry ice-cream, cultural demonstrations, drummers and other activities. This free tour will take place on Tuesday July 16, 2013 with shuttle buses departing from the High Country Inn Convention Centre and selected hotels at 6:00pm. Ta’an Kwäch’än Council 117 Industrial Road Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2T8 Phone:867-668-3613 Fax:867-667-4295 info@taan.ca ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 15 PRESENTING SPONSOR AT THE YUKON ARTS CENTRE RECEPTION STARTS AT 6:30PM SHOW STARTS AT 8:00PM July 17, 2013 TICKETS: $50 per person Available at AFN AGA Host Committee Information Booth a t the Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre or online www.yukontickets.com Shuttle buses leaving the Coast High Country Inn & Convention Centre and selected hotels starting at 6:00 pm. 16 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND When the Path Transforms Features the best of northern artists celebrating & sharing their stories, music and dance. Directed by internationally renowned directorAlejandro Ronceria. Performances by Boyd Benjamin, Diyet, Daniel Tlen, Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, Kevin Barr, Kaska Dena Drummers, Kwanlin Dün Dancers, Selkirk Spirit Dancers & Warren Strand. July 18, 2013 Driving tour Whitehorse to Haines Junction. Traditional Meal. Tour our amazing new Cultural Centre! Please register at the AFN Information Booth in the lobby. Limited seating, register soon! Tour departs Whitehorse at 5:30pm and returns late. Transportation and meal provided compliments of • Beadwork Exhibit • Our Story • Gift Shop • Artifacts • Much More! • Artworks ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 17 TENNA-TSA-TEH The Wolf and the Raven/Crow have been and remain to be important symbols for many First Nations people of the Yukon. Of particular importance is the land and all that nature has to do with life in the North. In this painting you see the close association with the land and nature. The Wolf and the moon are spiritual elements of the natural world we live in. The Raven, long associated with the spiritual world, sits perched on a tree as if speaking to the spirit of the Wolf. Far off in the sky you can see the eagle, ravens and the moon, also symbols of spiritual significance. As an artist, I am allowed to see the wonder and the subtleties of nature in bold and colorful ways; it helps me to see the world in a way that most people only dream it to be. 18 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND “When I think about what art is, it is more than illustration or objects to be doted over. Art is the magic, the glue that binds us all together. It is the language that transcends its forms.” (Mark Preston) Mark Preston (Tenna-Tsa-Teh) was born in Dawson City, Yukon. He is of Tlingit and Irish ancestry presently living in Vancouver, British Columbia. He learned about his Tlingit ancestry through family and school study. Initially, Mark began studying art through European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci but later discovered other notable masters: Bill Reid, Robert Davidson and Roy Vickers. Mark has studied various mediums in paper, cloth, wood, metals, stone and most recently started working on glass. He began studying silver carving with well known master jeweler and carver Phil Janze (Gitskan Nation) at Hazelton, B.C. THANK YOU! Thank you to all the performers, artists, presenters and Elders for celebrating & sharing their stories, music and dance throughout the week. Gary Johnson Old Crow Dancers Boyd Benjamin Hazel Bunbury Rising Sun Singers Bob Hamilton Judy Gingell Robert Van Lieshout Dakhká Khwáan Dancers Kaska Dena Drummers Selkirk Spirit Dancers Daniel Tlen Kevin Barr Sharon Shorty David Bunbury Kwanlin Dün Dancers Shirley Adamson Diyet Lorraine Netro Ta’an Kwäch’än Dancers Duane Gastant’ Aucoin Nicole Smith Warren Strand Ed Shultz Northern Cultural Expressions Society Photo: Fritz Mueller Photography Andrameda Hunter ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 19 On behalf of the Host Committee I want to thank all the people who worked so long and hard to make this AFN AGA a success. For over a year, members of the Host Committee have been meeting, scheming and dreaming a big Yukon welcome for AFN delegates and visitors! Many other individuals and organizations contributed to the planning and hosting of these activities as well. Good work team! ~ Mike Smith, Yukon Regional Chief, AFN Host Committee Members Chief Kristina Kane Acting Chief Alicia Vance Deputy Chief Michelle Telep Elders’ Councillor Judy Gingell Elaine Shorty Tiffany Eckert-Maret Samantha Dawson Lael Lund Kim-Mia Pronovost Heather O’Grady Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Shawn O’Dell Emmie Fairclough Scott Dickson Jill Delaney Samantha Dawson Executive, Lands, Resources & Heritage Staff Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre Patti Balsillie Liz Smith KDCC Staff Fundraising Committee Peter Johnston Kwanlin Dün First Nation Jeanie Dendys Darlene Smith Viola Papequash Johnny Brass Jackson Lake Facility Staff Teresa Ward 20 | WELCOME TO OUR LAND Firekeeper/Sacred Fire Phil Gatensby Media/Communications Committee Lael Lund Samantha Dawson Jenna Young/AFN Communications Advisors/Elders Eric Morris Judy Gingell Shirley Adamson Event Management Team Katie Johnson, Executive Producer, Bella Elite Events & Consulting Jessie Stephen, Tradeshow Coordinator Luke DeCoste, Tradeshow/Sponsorship Antonia Lafferty, Production Assistant Linda Johnson, Editor/Writer Mark Rutledge, Outside the Cube/ Designer Val Chambers, Shadhala Food Services Gala Production Team Alanis King, Script Writer Alejandro Ronceria, Artistic Director Patrick Matheson, Lighting Designer Roly Mitton, Sound Technician Daniel Ashley, Stage Production Yukon Arts Centre Staff Steve Hare, Solid Sound Marsh Lake Tents & Events A special thank you to Lori Martin, Karen Hunter, Larry Whiteduck, Kluane Adamek from the Assembly of First Nations and a huge thank you to all the Volunteers who helped make this event a success! THANK YOU! PRESENTING SPONSOR FUNDING PARTNER HOST NATION PARTNERS PROGRAMMING PARTNERS DIAMOND SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSOR BRONZE LEVEL FRIENDS White River First Nation Northerm Windows Victoria B. Fred, Barrister & Solicitor Yukon College Victoria Gold Capital Helicopters ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS – 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY | 21 Wishing a Yukon Welcome to all Chiefs & Delegates who are attending this year’s Assembly of First Nations General Assembly in Whitehorse. From simple to complex, intimate to high profile events, Bella Elite Events & Consulting works for success. ATCO seeks to support and work with Aboriginal communities, organizations and government to create sustainable economic and social opportunities. Katie Johnson (867) 332-5283 LEARN ABOUT ATCO’S PARTNERSHIPS - WWW. ATCO.COM STRUCTURES & LOGISTICS | UTILITIES | ENERGY | TECHNOLOGIES | bellaeliteconsulting @ gmail.com 101-301 Hawkins St., Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1X5 bellaelite.ca VUNTUT GWICHIN FIRST NATION Welcomes all Chiefs and Delegates to the Yukon and the 2013 AFN Annual General Assembly mehaffey consulting inc. FIRST NATION SELF-GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Over two decades of experience providing strategic negotiation, management and policy advice to Aboriginal Governments in Northern and Western Canada. 1513 WEST 66TH AVENUE VANCOUVER BC V6P 2R8 C: 778.231.7620 T: 778.329.7772 F: 778.329.8175 www.mehaffeyconsulting.com Dännach’ea Kwanlin Dün is honoured to welcome AFN delegates to our Traditional Territory. Please enjoy your visit and take the opportunity to explore all that Yukon has to offer. Outside the Cube welcomes delegates of the Assembly of First Nations' Annual General Assembly to Whitehorse! Best of Luck for a productive conference. Proud sponsor of the 34th Assembly of First Nations’ Annual General Assembly Proud Presenting sponsor for the Yukon regional events 2013 AFN General Assembly View of Northern Vision’s Waterfront Place Properties Proud to be over 40% Yukon First nations owned! Prime Commercial/Retail • Office Space • Luxury Residential Condos Industrial Area Lands • Buy, Lease or Build to Suit For more information contact: Adam Gerle, VP Marketing & Sales agerle@nvdlp.com | www.nvdlp.com | (867) 333-9886