The Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard participated in the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Vancouver on April 26 and 27. Commissioner Bernard was in attendance at the invitation of Stephen De-Wint, national executive director of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Canada.
For the occasion, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex and recently named The Duke of Edinburgh, was in attendance. He took part in a variety of events during those two days, including donor engagement dinners, events with award holders, leaders and volunteers and a non-formal education summit.
I had the honour and privilege of attending events with His Royal Highness and seeing how Prince Edward continues his father’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. I also had the opportunity to promote the Yukon, and I met past participants who had visited the territory to complete their adventurous journey by hiking the Chilkoot Trail or paddling the Yukon River.
Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global program that challenges, empowers, and recognizes young people between the ages of 14 and 24.
The award was first launched in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip, the then Duke of Edinburgh, to motivate young people to become involved in a balanced program of voluntary self-development activities.
The award was launched in Canada in 1963 and since then over 500,000 Canadian youth have registered to do the award. Thousands more have been involved through leadership, governance and support.
The award has been offered sporadically in the Yukon over the years. With the 60th anniversary celebrations, the hope is to restart the award program in the Yukon.
Judy Shannon
Private Secretary
Office of the Commissioner of Yukon
867-393-6281
judy.shannon@yukon.ca