Preserving our Heritage

For centuries, before the influx of recent adventurers, the headwaters of the Yukon River were home for the Tagish Kwan, and a regular meeting place for other Indigenous people who came to trade with them.

To acknowledge and document this history, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation Final Agreement calls for the creation of a written and visual history of the Kwanlin Dün’s relationship to the Whitehorse waterfront. In 2013, the Kwanlin Dün Waterfront Heritage Working Group – comprised of representatives from KDFN, the Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse – began this work.

Phase one – archival research (completed in 2014)

KDFN developed a thematic framework for presenting Kwanlin Dün history, including a review and bibliography of existing waterfront interpretation external to KDFN.

Phase two – community consultation (completed in 2016)

KDFN conducted community consultations to further develop story content for Kwanlin Dün history and occupation on the Whitehorse waterfront. This phase included community meetings, Elder videographies, inventory of the KDFN audio archives and identifying family photo collections.

Phase three – book development (sales and distribution by 2020)

A rich manuscript of Kwanlin Dün oratory, history and images will be published in both print and e-book formats.

Phase four – interpretive plan (completion by 2020)

An interpretive plan, distinct from the book, will provide comprehensive interpretation and resource materials on Kwanlin Dün history along the waterfront corridor, with an emphasis on the Whitehorse area.

Phase five – interpretation materials (completion by 2021)

Development of interpretation materials which may include indoor and outdoor exhibits, trail and waterfront signs, smart phone apps, films, and interpretive stations with an emphasis on the Whitehorse area.