Exclusive Media Preview Brunch Event: Friday, 14 June 2024

First Nations history runs as deep as the rivers in the Yukon. The territory has rich and varied Indigenous cultures dating back more than 12,000 years. Indigenous Yukon curator Lisa Dewhurst, the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, the Yukon Arts Centre and Travel Yukon, today announce that the Honouring Our Future exhibition, a living representation of the cultural vibrancy and diversity of Yukon First Nations, is coming to London from 14 June to 21 September, 2024.

The exhibition will be held at Canada House, Trafalgar Square. The gallery will be open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 17.45 p.m. and admission to the exhibit will be free to the public.

Honouring Our Future is a celebration of the regalia worn by graduates of the Yukon First Nations Graduation Ceremony and provides a unique glimpse into the cultural significance and symbolism attached to these garments and how they embody a profound sense of family, pride and support. This collective endeavor exemplifies the deep-rooted care and solidarity that Indigenous communities have for their youth, showcasing the intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and practices.

Founded in 1975, Yukon First Nations Graduation Ceremony has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the strength of Yukon First Nations. As art forms, the regalia embodies each Nation's unique Indigenous traditions, promoting a sense of pride and identity among the graduates and their communities.

Honouring Our Future serves as a powerful platform to celebrate the cultural heritage, resilience, and communal support within Yukon First Nations communities. The regalia displayed exemplifies the interconnectedness of past, present, and future generations, showcasing the transformative power of education and strength for our future.

Over the past three years, the 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. 

Media can exclusively preview the regalia collection prior to the exhibition official opening and meet with key Yukon First Nations storytellers including Shirlee Frost, master beadwork artist/Elder from the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Lenita Alatini, Kluane First Nation and one of the Graduates of the exhibit, and Lisa Dewhurst, Nlaka'pamux of B.C., Exhibit Curator.

Where: Canada Gallery, Canadian High Commission, London, SW1Y 5BJ (Pall Mall Entrance)

When: Friday, 14th June 2024

Time: 9 am - 10.30 am

**Media must contact Jo White at Travel Yukon in advance if they wish to attend this preview**

About Yukon:

Situated in the upper Northwest corner of Canada, next to Alaska, the Yukon is Canada's most accessible northern destination. Home to Canada's highest mountain (Mount Logan) and the planet's largest non-polar icefields located in Kluane National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site. 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. Roughly the size of Spain at just over 186,000 square miles, 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 46,000. A quarter of the Yukon's population identifies as Indigenous; there are 14 First Nations and 8 languages spoken in the territory.

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

For Press enquiries, contact Jo White at Travel Yukon UK

Jo@click-pr.co.uk/ 07989 814340