This is where it all started. The Yukon Territory, in Canada's north-west, is home to some of the earliest evidence of the presence of humans in North America. With around one quarter of Yukoners being of Indigenous ancestry, the First Nations culture and customs are still alive and thriving in this unique Canadian territory.

The Indigenous people of Yukon all belong to one of fourteen First Nations, each with its own history and legends, passed down through generations.

Read on for six ways to gain a deeper understanding of the Yukon's fascinating First Nations culture.

Join the festivities

Plan your trip to Yukon to coincide with the award-winning winning Adäka Cultural Festival, from 29 June – 5 July 2022. More than 200 visual and performing artists will gather to showcase their arts, music, and cultures and take part in a rich program full of collaborative opportunities for learning, sharing, presenting, and cultural exchange.

 The banks of the Yukon River offer the perfect backdrop to this world-class festival, hosted at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Immerse yourself in the traditional and contemporary music, and sign up for a workshop to try your hand at drumming, dance, storytelling, film, visual art exhibitions, interpretive programming, and community feasts.

Capital cultural centres

On the banks of the Yukon River in the capital city of Whitehorse, take a guided tour at the striking cedar-clad Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, the cultural home of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation. You'll also find a permanent exhibit of traditional First Nations bead work, tools and trade goods can be found at the MacBride Museum of Yukon History.

As you stroll around Yukon's capital city you'll encounter large colourful murals, totems and other artwork illustrating meaningful First Nations culture. Traditional crafts along with modern pieces by First Nations artists are also featured in many of the local galleries and gift shops, like the Northern Cultural Expressions Society's small gallery.

Song, dance and totem poles

In the village of Carcross, spend some time admiring the incredible Carcross-Tagish First Nations' artwork. Marvel at the staggering totem poles towering overhead, and visit master carver Keith Wolfe Smarch as he works on his latest creations.

In Haines Junction, explore the Da Kų Cultural Centre home of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.  The nations dance group, Dakwäkäda Dancers, have been teaching Southern Tutchone and Tlingit cultures through the tradition of song and dance for more than 20 years.  

Gain a new perspective

The first people of Dawson City, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, lived well before the goldrush fever. A visit to the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, with its historic photographs, artefacts and traditional art, is a must-do between May and September.

Take a guided tour of the Hammerstone Gallery in the Danoja Zho Cultural Centre to understand the First Nation Peoples' perspective of the gold rush era. Participate in a river walk tour, check out the art shows, and take home a piece of this dynamic culture from the gift shop – from hand-beaded footwear to books, artwork, and locally produced music.

Tombstone of a different kind

Tombstone Territorial Park is a legacy of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in land claim agreement and lies entirely within their traditional territory. Drop in to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre, 1.5 hours north of Dawson City, take an interpretive tour, and hear the stories of the First Nations people over a cup of 'Mountain Wild' tea by a crackling fire.

The Interpretive Centre also has everything you need to plan your backcountry adventure, from trail maps to camping permits.

People of the Lakes

Discover the Vuntut Gwitchin 'people of the lakes', the most northern community in the territory. Close your eyes and listen to the audio recordings of the elders sharing their traditional stories at the John Tizya Centre in Vuntut National Park, the only Yukon community located north of the Arctic Circle. Examine the exhibits that demonstrate the Vuntut Gwitchin's dynamic culture, including the Porcupine Caribou herd and the vast wilderness of the north.

About Yukon's First Nations

Yukon is a deliciously diverse mix of history and culture with fourteen First Nations speaking eight different Indigenous languages, all calling the Territory home. Seven of these languages come from the Athapaskan family which spreads from central Alaska through north-western Canada to Hudson Bay. These seven are Gwichi'in, Han, Kaska, Northern Tutchone, Southern Tutchone, Tagish, and Upper Tanana. The eighth language, Inland Tlingit, is a distant relative of the Athapaskan family.