Overnight in the wilderness in a traditional wall tent

Homestay with a Master First Nations Artist

Spend time in a traditional First Nations village

Journey down the mighty Yukon River

Walk in the footsteps of gold discoverer, Skookum Jim

First Nations history runs as deep as the rivers in the Yukon. The territory has a rich and varied Indigenous cultures and visitors can experience this diversity in 2022 through vibrant events, historic attractions and new experiences.

In the Yukon, visitors can immerse themselves in a lifestyle dating back more than 12,000 years and learn about the 14 distinct First Nations, each with their own unique traditions and heritage. 11 of the 14 First Nations have signed self-government agreements and are responsible for their own resource management, economic and social programs.

Visitors to the Yukon are always extended a warm welcome by local First Nations communities and here they will discover an unparalleled richness of First Nation artwork, craft, storytelling, music and dance.

In addition to the experiences for 2022 detailed below, there are also number of Cultural Centres showcasing the diverse heritage of the Yukon First Nations people including Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre in Dawson City, Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Tagé Cho Hudän Interpretive Centre in Carmacks and Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction.


2022 also welcomes the 10th Adäka Cultural Festival (30 June – 4 July 2022), a world-class, iconic festival that showcases the development of Yukon's distinctive First Nations arts and culture. Adäka means “coming into the light” in the Southern Tutchone language and the festival is committed to shining a light on the creative spirit of Yukon First Nations people.

Authentic Indigenous Experiences in the Yukon:

Josie's Old Crow Adventures

Based in Old Crow, the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations, this remote community is only accessible by plane. Josie's Old Crow Adventures offers one- and two-day packages, as well as hourly tours focusing on the First Nations way of life on the land. Overnight in traditional wall tents, go ice-fishing with local Elders, taste ice-water tea and homemade bannock. Visitors will leave with a strong connection to the land, dogs and caribou. Tours include dog-sledding adventures, northern nights excursions, river and mountain tours, as well as snowshoeing. www.josiesoldcrowadventures.com

Koa'Tzih' Homestay with Master Artist

Koa'Tzih' means “let's go home” in the Kaska language. Dennis (Kaska) and Jennifer (German) offer a wonderful culturally immersive experience at their home and studio in Ross River. Stay in a cozy wall tent, hear stories in the Kaska language, enjoy delicious traditional foods, and participate in a workshop of your choosing led by Master Artist, Dennis. www.dennisshortyarts.com

Kwäday Dän Kenji (Long Ago Peoples Place)

Located just off the Alaska Highway between Whitehorse and Haines Junction, Long Ago Peoples Place is an authentic re-creation of a traditional First Nations village. Step back in time at this remote site which offers guided tours of traditional housing and living structures, tool making workshops, beading, and local plant and harvesting talks. Camping is also available on site. www.yukonfirstnationculture.com 

Shakat Tun Adventures

60 kilometres north of Haines Junction on Kluane Lake, Shakat Tun Wilderness Camp offers a variety of traditional and contemporary cultural experiences in a rustic, comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Shakat Tun summer programs are designed for travellers who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, connection with nature and learning about First Nations culture. Day cultural activity options include a Furs, Tools and Trapline Tour, Cultus Bay Shore Fishing, Dream Catcher or Medicine Bag Making, or Traditional Drum Making. Winter programs are designed for the adventurous traveller and offer scenery, a sparkling “floor” of glittering snow, and wood heated log cabins. www.shakttunadventures.com

Sharing Indigenous Culture and History at Fort Selkirk


One of the Yukon's most interesting and best-preserved historic sites, Fort Selkirk, is now more accessible to visitors thanks to Tutchone Tours. This half day tour will introduce guests to the history and rich culture of the Hucha Hudan (Northern Tutchone) Indigenous people. Leaving Minto, an hour-long boat ride to Fort Selkirk offers the chance to see a variety of wildlife. Guests will then be expertly guided through the restored buildings of this important fur trading site and are sure to walk away feeling relaxed, informed and culturally enriched.
www.tutchonetours.com

Carcross Commons

In Carcross, visitors can walk in the footsteps in Skookum Jim, a member of the Tagish First Nations who is co-credited for the discovery of gold in the Yukon which began the start of the infamous Klondike Gold Rush. Observe totem poles being carved in a working studio and gaze in wonder at Bennett Beach. People have lived in this breath-taking location for over 10,000 years and their spirit can be felt on the ancient trails that pass along the rivers and lakes. www.destinationcarcross.ca

Fishwheel Charter Services

To truly experience the Yukon's First Nations cultures, travellers must journey on the mighty Yukon River. Fishwheel Charter Services in Gold Rush Town Dawson City, takes visitors on river tours with experienced guide Tommy Taylor, a Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizen. Tours offered include Dawson City river tours, custom multi-day river trips, custom single of multi-day snowmobile adventures, and rustic cabin rentals. www.fishwheeltoursyukon.com

Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination. The Yukon is one of North America's most undiscovered destinations; close to 80 percent remains pristine wilderness with 5,000-metre peaks, forested valleys, unspoiled waters and untamed wildlife. The Yukon is home to more than 160,000 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 40,000, approximately 23% of which are indigenous people.

For further information on the Yukon, visit www.travelyukon.com