Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean and a delegation of Yukon First Nations members are travelling to London this week on a mission of “cultural diplomacy, reconciliation and industry engagement.”
McLean said in a statement, “This is a significant opportunity to advance reconciliation through international collaboration and meaningful roundtable discussions on business development, responsible investment and cultural perspectives.
“I’m thrilled to see the Honouring Our Future: Yukon First Nations Graduation Regalia exhibition presented on the international stage. These handcrafted regalia pieces celebrate the artists and will carry their stories overseas.
“We deeply appreciate the dedication of all the First Nations leaders who have joined us on this important trip.”
According to the announcement, “The cornerstone engagement of the mission will be the opening of the Honouring Our Future: Yukon First Nations Graduation Regalia exhibition, a collaboration between the Yukon Arts Centre and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.”
The exhibition will take place at Canada House from Friday until Oct. 6, showcasing graduation regalia from across the Yukon.
The First Nations delegation includes Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief Barb Joe, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation Chief Nicole Tom, Ross River Dena Council Chief Dylan Loblaw, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Hähkè Darren Taylor, Teslin Tlingit Council executive elder Barbara Hobbis and Grand Chief Peter Johnston of the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Mellisa Murray, the Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce executive director, and president Tiffany Eckert-Maret are also part of the mission and will host a business community engagement alongside the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce for all delegates to engage with stakeholders in the UK.
“Joining the Yukon delegation to London is an opportunity not only for the celebration of our cultural heritage of Yukon First Nations but also in reinforcing our commitment to reconciliation and international collaboration,” said Johnston.
“This journey opens doors for new cultural exchanges and deeper understanding.”
The announcement of the trip was quickly questioned on social media. One person posted this scathing comment:
“Who is paying for this? If it is Yukon taxpayers, please tell us how much it will cost us.
“In hard economic times, when our young people are finding it hard to buy a house or rent one, buy groceries, and find stable jobs, it seems an odd use of public funds. I will be happy to say this to the next Liberal candidate who appears at my door asking for my vote.
“Yukon youth are the future, especially for reconciliation. Looking at the press release, I don’t see any youth participating. Why not?”