Today, Commissioner Adeline Webber announced the Yukon’s new Story Laureate John Firth. For the next two years, John will act as a representative for the literary arts, storytelling and literacy, with a focus on the past and present condition and future prospects of the Yukon.
John is a lifelong Yukoner, writer and storyteller whose many contributions to the community are diverse. His published works include The Caribou Hotel: Hauntings, Hospitality, a Hunter and the Parrot; One Mush: Jamaica's Dogsled Team; Yukon Sport: An Illustrated Encyclopedia; River Time: Racing the Ghosts of the Klondike Rush; Better Than A Cure: One Man's Journey to Free the World of Polio (with Ramesh Ferris) and Yukon Quest: The 1000-mile Sled Dog Race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse.
It is my honour to introduce John Firth as Yukon’s new Story Laureate. I look forward to working with him and discussing opportunities to highlight his talents over the next two years.
Commissioner of Yukon Adeline Webber
I'm honoured to be privileged with the responsibility and challenge that comes with being the Story Laureate of the Yukon. As the Yukon's literary arts ambassador on both the local and national stage, it will be my place to raise the profile of the storytelling arts with all peoples – Indigenous, non-Indigenous, sourdoughs and chechakos, no matter their race, religion, gender or sexual expression in an inclusive way that encompasses traditional knowledge, contemporary stories and history.
Story Laureate of Yukon John Firth
The Story Laureate of Yukon was chosen by an independent selection jury made up of members of the literary arts community.
The position of Story Laureate of Yukon was established in 2021 and is a two-year commitment.
The laureate attends Yukon events to publicly share works and creates work that focuses on cultural, historical and heritage themes that are relevant to the people who live in the Yukon.
Judy Shannon
Private Secretary to the Commissioner of Yukon
867-667-5121
judy.shannon@yukon.ca