First Nations Culture in the Yukon

Welcome to the Yukon First Nations homeland

Elders say that the First Nations people have always been here. Origin stories tell of the beginning of time when Raven, Earth Mother and other powerful beings made the world safe for people. Oral traditions and archaeological evidence document the ways of indigenous ancestors on this land for more than 12,000 years. They followed well-defined seasonal rounds, knowing the best places to hunt, fish and gather foods and other resources needed throughout the year.

Today in the Yukon, 11 of the 14 Yukon First Nations have signed their Self-Government agreements. They are responsible for their own resource management, economic and social programs, combining traditional activities on the land with entrepreneurial and administrative skills in businesses, government and tourism. Visitors are extended a warm welcome to the local First Nations cultural centres and festivals across the Yukon.

Art from the soul

Yukon First Nations artists work in many diverse performing and visual genres, producing vibrant traditional and contemporary art. Carvers, weavers, sewers, beaders, sculptors, painters along with dancers, drummers, actors, writers, poets and filmmakers draw inspiration from the land, culture, languages, history and communities to dazzle audiences at home and worldwide. Look out for indigenous art in galleries, cultural centres, festivals and theatres all around the Yukon.

For more information—please visit the Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association.