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
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White River First Nation
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Victoria B. Fred, Barrister
& Solicitor
Yukon College
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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.
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Welcomes all Chiefs and
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the 2013 AFN Annual
General Assembly
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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.
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