BY E. LISA MOSES
Indigenous Yukon:
Enriching and Inspirational
SHAKAT TUN ADVENTURES •
INDIGENOUS YUKON/JONNY BIERMAN
YUKON WATER BIKES •
INDIGENOUS YUKON/JONNY BIERMAN
GEORGE JOHNSTON MUSEUM •
INDIGENOUS YUKON/PETER MATHER PHOTOGRAPHY
For thousands of years, Yukon
First Nations have welcomed
visitors to the territory, sharing
their arts and culture as a way
to keep their stories alive.
They guided guests through the landscape
and helped them understand Indigenous
peoples through storytelling, arts and crafts.
Today, Yukon's 14 First Nations continue
to help the growing number of visitors
appreciate the diverse cultures by touching
and feeling the history, heritage and way of
life. Start a journey at one of the eight cultural
centres across the territory. These gateways
provide guests with context for their visits,
explaining important aspects of the land,
heritage, art and customs. Tour operators are
excited and proud to share their traditions,
whether offering classic adventure, serene
enjoyment or cultural experiences.
In winter, go dogsledding or ice fishing—
and marvel at the northern lights. During
the warmer seasons try water bicycling,
canoeing, horseback riding or hiking. Stay
in a range of accommodations from
cultural homestays and camps, to B&Bs, to
well-appointed Indigenous-owned hotels.
The Yukon is a hub for festivals and fun
with strong and vibrant cultures weaved
throughout. Coffee lovers can tour local
cafés while anyone will enjoy feasting on
specialties such as bison and elk, bannock,
Arctic char and salmon. Art aficionados can
admire the Indigenous creations on street
murals and in galleries. And showcasing
the cultural scene is the week-long Adäka
Cultural Festival in June (www.indigenous
yukon.ca).
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