The initiatives are the result of a joint effort between the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon First Nations, the Government of Yukon and judiciary representing both the Supreme Court of Yukon and the Territorial Court of Yukon. The Towards Reconciliation Public Art Unveiling event marked the completion of the current collaborative project and highlighted all the new Yukon First Nations art on public display at the Andrew A. Philipsen Law Courts Building in Whitehorse.
Recent additions include a piece by Northern Tutchone/Tlingit artist Eugene Alfred entitled “Wolf and Crow Yukon Family” and a pair of painted drums entitled “Balance,” created by Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Elder Zhùrä Shirley Adamson and Doronn Fox, who is of Kaska Dene, Northern Tutchone, Saulteaux Ojibwe and Kwanlin Dün First Nation descent.
In addition, land acknowledgement signs are now displayed in the Andrew A. Philipsen Law Courts Building.
The plan is to extend the initiative to ensure Yukon First Nations cultural representation is present in Yukon communities in spaces where court proceedings take place.
This collaborative initiative addresses the need to create culturally safe spaces for Yukon First Nations involved in the justice system through the inclusion of Yukon First Nations culture in the judicial process and artwork in the building. Yukon First Nations are over-represented in the justice system and projects like this allow us to work with our partners to enhance cultural inclusion.
CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Our government is committed to continuing to advance reconciliation and including Indigenous artwork into judicial spaces as well as acknowledging the traditional lands we are on is an important part of this process. Thank you to all the partners involved in this joint project and thank you to the talented artists for sharing your stunning works with all Yukoners who are passing through the Andrew A. Philipsen Law Courts Building. We will continue to work collaboratively with Yukon First Nations to pave the way for a better future where all feel welcome and included.
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee
The installation of Indigenous art in the Law Courts building is another step towards putting reconciliation into action. It signifies respect for Indigenous culture and beliefs, and recognizes the need to make our justice system more inclusive and culturally appropriate for Yukon First Nations people.
Chief Justice Suzanne. M. Duncan (Supreme Court of Yukon) and Chief Judge Michael Cozens (Territorial Court of Yukon)
The collaboration to incorporate Yukon First Nations culture into the judicial process and courtrooms also included:
- The installation of a piece of artwork titled “Forget Me Not” created by Carcross/Tagish First Nation Citizen Violet Gatensby in Courtroom #5, the Yukon’s most used courtroom.
- The gifting of 10 eagle feathers made by Gwitchin Elder Randall Tetlichi that are in use in courtrooms in Whitehorse, Watson Lake, Dawson and during circuit courts in rural Yukon communities that are used to swear oaths.
- You can view a brochure of the artwork unveiled here.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Jasmine Doll
Communications, Department of Justice
867-667-8114
jasmine.doll@yukon.ca
Lael Lund
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-335-3227
communications@cyfn.net
Cathy Rasmussen
Legal Counsel Yukon Courts
867-667-8637
cathy.rassmussen@yukoncourts.ca