An open house was held this past Saturday at Yukon Archives to mark its 50th anniversary.
Featuring remarks from Minister Nils Clarke on behalf of Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai, Territorial Archivist David Schlosser, Friends of the Yukon Archives Society President Julie Ourom and former Yukon Department of Heritage and Culture Deputy Minister Garth Graham, the event also included tours of the Archives’ various collections and specialized storage facilities, as well as birthday cake and refreshments.
Yukon Archives has also announced an Artist-in-Residence Program to mark the occasion. Through this unique opportunity, the selected artist, or artists, will be able to experience and utilize the various materials, facilities and services Yukon Archives has to offer, with their final work officially exhibited upon completion.
Open to professional and emerging artists from varying disciplines and practices, the successful applicant will receive a $3,000 honorarium (plus up to $2,000 for travel, accommodation and subsistence for artists residing outside of Whitehorse where applicable), a dedicated work and exhibition space, and access to the Archives’ holdings and research assistance from its staff.
Applications can be submitted until January 31, 2023. Guidelines and application forms can be found at yukon.ca/art-competitions.
Established in 1972, Yukon Archives preserves the documentary heritage of lives and moments that have shaped the territory. From the memorabilia of citizens and passersby, to official government records marking defining moments in the territory’s evolution, the Archives ensures that the Yukon’s history is acquired and shared through as many perspectives as possible.
On behalf of the Government of Yukon, congratulations and thank you to all the Archives staff, past and present, for their expert conservancy of the Yukon’s documentary heritage over the last 50 years. We also recognize the contributions of the Friends of the Yukon Archives Society, and the many Yukoners who have helped to bring the Yukon’s past to life by donating and accessing records to share the territory’s incredible stories with all of us.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai
Being President of the Friends of Yukon Archives Society has given me the incredible opportunity to work both with Yukon Archives and my fellow board members to acquire, preserve and promote Yukon’s documentary heritage. Amazing collections have been developed over the past 50 years, in large part through people and organizations who have entrusted Yukon Archives with precious and unique materials. Safeguarded in Yukon’s state-of-the-art preservation and research facility, these records are managed and made accessible by the expert and enthusiastic staff. Yukon Archives is known and respected world-wide. We welcome everyone to visit and experience our treasure trove of Yukon’s history.
Friends of the Yukon Archives Society President Julie Ourom
Yukon Archives was established to acquire, preserve and make available the territory’s documentary resources including textual, photographic, audiovisual and cartographic records regardless of physical form or characteristic.
Yukon Archives receives donations from individuals, families, businesses and organizations, as well as transfers of records from government departments.
A detailed account of Yukon Archives’ history can be found in For the Record: Yukon Archives 1972–2012
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Friends of Yukon Archives Society, who assist and advise the Yukon Archives in preserving Yukon’s past.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@yukon.ca