The Yukon government is updating the welcome signs at all nine key points of entry to the territory with new designs featuring local artists’ work.

Each sign will reflect the Yukon’s “inspiring landscape, vibrant culture and creativity,” the government said June 19.

“The Yukon welcome signs are an important part of a Yukon travel experience and a source of pride for Yukoners. These signs are regularly photographed and shared on social media to a large international audience. Improving these signs will help support businesses, communities, and visitor experiences across the territory,” the government said.

Following a successful call for art earlier this year, each sign will feature a work from one of nine Yukon artists chosen to represent a region. The artists represented are Tara Easley, Kimberly Edgar, Maegan Garrett, Leslie Leong, Ferryn Nowatzki, Chantal Rousseau, Dustin Sheldon, Justien Senoa and Terrence Shorty. The artwork can be viewed at yukon.ca/welcome-signs.

Sign installation will occur throughout July and August.

The designs reflect the theme “Welcome to the Yukon”. They “celebrate the excitement of a Yukon adventure, depicting the Yukon’s heritage, cultures, inspiring landscape, communities and wildlife,” the government said.

Small public celebrations will be taking place at the nearest corresponding visitor information centre as each sign is installed. Stickers and postcards featuring the selected artworks will be available at visitor information centres. Sign locations will also be added to the government’s Sights and Sites mobile app, along with information about the artists.

“I’m thrilled that our new welcome signs, designed by our talented local artists, will be installed this summer,” said Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker.

“These signs showcase the Yukon’s awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant culture, and they will do a great job welcoming visitors and supporting our local tourism sector,” the minister added.

“As Yukoners, we can all be proud to see our local artists’ work displayed throughout the territory. Let’s take a moment to appreciate these stunning signs as they welcome everyone to the Yukon!”

The old signs will be removed as the new markers are installed. To honour and preserve their memory, one will be installed at the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, while another will go to the Yukon Transportation Museum in Whitehorse. The other signs will be repurposed for other projects.

“I am honoured and excited to have my art and my message greeting Yukoners and visitors,” said artist Terrence Shorty.

“Salmon are the lifeline of our First Nations culture. They teach us that as we move across the land and the water we need to look after one another and our sacred animals.

“The land and the water feed us and give life to our children,” Shorty added.

“I take inspiration from my late Uncle Richard Shorty and from my son, Däk’àna Shorty, and I hope people will enjoy my work and that it will connect with and inspire the next generations.”

Twenty-eight artists submitted artwork proposals. 

The selected artists were paid $6,000, which includes artwork production, a commissioning fee and image licensing for signs and promotional items. This figure aligns with and was informed by national guidelines recommended by Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens.

The current plan is to update the artwork in five years through another call for art proposals.

Colouring pages that include a history of the evolution of the signs over the years, as well as an opportunity for people to create their own middle panel artwork, are available at yukon.ca/exploring-yukon-history.