This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Dámbü Tän Kets’ádań Kų̀ – Cliff Trail Elementary School Council.
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the school council, is pleased to announce Dámbü Tän Kets’ádań Kų̀ – Cliff Trail Elementary School as the official name of the elementary school in Whistle Bend.
The school is located within the shared Traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. The naming process was carried out in close consultation with both First Nations. The proposed name was provided by Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith and has received support from both the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Chief Ruth Massie and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. To ensure the accuracy of the Southern Tutchone spelling, the school council worked closely with Chief Smith, Elder Hazel Bunbury of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Yukon Native Language Centre.
Working in partnership with First Nation governments to choose a culturally appropriate school name supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those focused on education and reconciliation. Recognizing Indigenous languages, cultures and place-based knowledge in the identity of Yukon schools supports Calls to Action 10, 12 and 62. These emphasize the importance of inclusive education, Indigenous participation in decision making and the integration of Indigenous perspectives into public institutions. This collaborative naming process is a meaningful step toward honouring the histories and rights of Indigenous Peoples and fostering a more inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students.
The name, Dámbü Tän Kets’ádań Kų̀ [DAHM‑ü TAHN Kay-et-zah Dun-Kuh] – Cliff Trail Elementary School, refers to the trail along the clay cliffs near the Eagle Bay Lookout, an area of cultural and historical significance that is frequently visited by students and staff for nature school and class walks. Naming the school after it carries deep significance for the school community.
Dámbü Tän Kets’ádań Kų̀ – Cliff Trail Elementary School will continue to be a place where culture, community and learning come together to inspire students and families in Whistle Bend.
This name reflects the rich cultural history and natural beauty of the area and strengthens the connection between the school and the land. Thank you to Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Chief Smith, Elder Hazel Bunbury, the Yukon Native Language Centre, the Dámbü Tän Kets’ádań Kų̀ – Cliff Trail Elementary School Council and the Whistle Bend community for their meaningful contributions throughout this process.
The renaming of our school to Dámbü Tän Kets’ádań Kų̀ is a milestone for our students, families and community. For over two years, school council has worked alongside Elders, Chiefs and community members from Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council to ensure the name reflects and honours the Indigenous lands on which our school stands. Guided by cultural knowledge and with deep respect for the process, we are proud to have helped bring this meaningful change to life. This name is more than a title; it is a living expression of reconciliation in education, a tribute to the land and its people and a reminder of the relationships that make our community stronger.
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“Whistle Bend Elementary School” was always intended as a placeholder while the school council worked with the student body, families, staff and First Nations governments to choose a permanent name that reflects the values of the school community.
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Community engagement played a vital role in the naming decision. Feedback was gathered through an online survey distributed to families and community members in Whistle Bend, as well as an in-person questionnaire at a school community market. The response was overwhelmingly supportive of the chosen name.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Dana Clark
Communications, Education
867-332-3743
[email protected]