On 14th June, the Yukon’s First Nations held an opening for the Honouring Our Future exhibition in Central London at Canada House on the west side of Trafalgar Square to recognise the talents and efforts of graduating Indigenous students in its territory.
The exhibition not only showcases artistry and skill in garments worn by graduates of the Yukon First Nations Graduation Ceremony, it also provides a unique glimpse into the cultural significance and symbolism attached to these garments, each carrying with them a profound sense of family tradition, pride and community support, and love of their homeland.
Over the past three years, this exhibition has toured Yukon First Nation cultural centres, allowing Indigenous communities in the Yukon to connect with their shared cultural heritage and enrich the exhibit with additional local graduation regalia.
Underscoring the impressive generational artistry and skill of Yukon’s First Nations people, the exhibition features dresses, vests, jackets, and other items, many of which took months to make. All were designed and created by students and family members, and sewn on kitchen tables with the help of clan, community members, matriarchs and patriarchs—a pure reflection of the passion for their heritage, land and customs.
Though the June event lasted just 90 minutes, the exhibition will remain at Canada House until 21 September 2024 and admission is free.
The process of decorating an item with beads is slow and deliberate work
About the Yukon First Nations Graduation
GraduationThe Yukon First Nations Graduation has been occurring since 1975 and is hosted by the Council for Yukon First Nations. It occurs in addition to the mainstream cap and gown ceremonies of Yukon’s high schools. This ceremony not only celebrates the graduates’ achievements, it also illustrates the importance of education and culture to Yukon First Nations people.
The graduates come in traditional dress and there are traditional dancers, drummers, and entertainers at the event as well as traditional food.First Nation leaders also attend and present the graduates with their certificates.
The event has become a shining example of the growing progress and pride of Indigenous People in the Yukon. It’s a vibrant celebration of their culture, language and heritage.
Intricate artistry and skill are displayed in each piece on display at Canada House in London
Where is Yukon?
Yukon is the smallest and westernmost of Canada’s three territories, lying in the Northwest of Canada. It borders Alaska to the west, British Columbia to the south and the Northwest Territories to the east.
Within the territory are 14 Yukon First Nations and eight language groups. Approximately 25 percent of Yukon’s population are Indigenous Peoples who promote their values, traditions, and customs around the world.
Much of the Yukon territory remains unspoiled wilderness. Its rugged landscape is home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, guarding over 2000 glaciers, including some of the world’s largest with a total ice cover six times larger than the icefields of the Canadian Rockies and in contrast, the world’s smallest desert, Carcross Desert.
There are forested valleys, unspoiled waters, and untamed wildlife. The Yukon is home to more than 220,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds, with a human population of only 41,000.
Much of the Yukon Territory (80 %) is unspoiled wilderness
The location itself can be seen in the garment designs, from tanning the hide and use of copper (symbolising status) to coastal shells used for buttons. Inland rabbit fur was transformed into moccasins and animal representation features heavily in many designs, demonstrating a strong link between land and people.
Designs created by students, families and community members show of the connection between the land and its people
The Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT) is a non-profit organization committed to growing and promoting vibrant and sustainable arts/culture and tourism sectors. The YFNCT’s website explains the various techniques used in Yukon indigenous art.
Keen to plan a trip? Check out Travel Yukon
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BeSeeingYou In: Canda House, London & Yukon Territory
Good To Know: 25 percent of Yukon’s population are Indigenous Peoples
WOW Factor: The passionate ways used to preserve ancestral cultures.
Tip: You can visit Long Ago People’s Place in Yukon to learn about the Yukon First Nations culture
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Author bio: Jane Wilson, The Wellness Traveler
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