Teagyn Vallevand grew up in the Yukon. She is a citizen of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation of Whitehorse.
But she says she didn’t learn anything about the Yukon’s more impressive First Nations history in high school — including the history of the chiefs who traveled to Ottawa to deliver in February 1973 Together today for our children of tomorrow. This document would serve as a blueprint for the land claim negotiations that were to follow in the Yukon, and would also open the door to other modern land claims around the country.
Vallevand and Monica Johnson of the Kluane First Nation have spent the last few months organizing a week-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of this trip to Ottawa hosted by the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN). It starts on Saturday at the Kwanlin Dün cultural center.
“It’s really cool to be able to look at our history… and to see that First Nations people here in the Yukon play a big part in what this area is like today. And it’s important to recognize and acknowledge,” Vallevand said.
Digging into that past was also an eye-opener for Johnson.
“When you read the document, you’re really talking about how life wasn’t what it is now then,” she said. “So to me, I’m kind of the person living the dream of the document.
“It just makes me very proud to be a Yukon First Nations citizen.”
Handball Tournament
The celebrations kick off this weekend with a handball tournament on Saturday and Sunday at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.
Throughout the next week, people are invited to participate in storytelling sessions with elders and knowledge keepers, as well as a speaker series moderated by CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston.
A fair will celebrate First Nations businesses. There will be an artists’ market, cultural performances and family activities.
People also have the opportunity to watch the original together today Document brought to Ottawa by the chiefs in 1973, the original Yukon Native Brotherhood Register and original Umbrella Final Agreement with signatures.
The week ends with a day of fun for the whole family next Saturday at the Canada Games Center from 11am to 4pm
