Government of Yukon

06/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/27/2024 12:37

New signage at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport acknowledges Traditional Territories

Published 27/06/2024

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council.

Travellers landing at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport will now be greeted by a new welcome sign acknowledging the Traditional Territories of the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

This initiative marks another step in the Government of Yukon's ongoing work to strengthen its relationships with Yukon First Nations governments. By recognizing the land on which Whitehorse's largest transportation hub operates, the Government of Yukon encourages visitors to learn about the histories and cultures of the territories they've travelled to.

The sign is located in the arrival area where passengers disembark from planes landing at the airport. Visitors and Yukoners will be welcomed to Whitehorse and the Traditional Territories of the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation in four languages: Southern Tutchone, English, French and German.

The new sign at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is an important addition to our government's commitment to collaborating with and celebrating Yukon First Nations. This sign is one way we can recognize the histories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council as stewards of this land since time immemorial. I look forward to this sign enriching our airport and encouraging all travellers to learn more about the histories, rich cultures, traditions, and significant contributions of Yukon First Nations.

Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke

It is important to recognize the vibrant cultural heritage and deep connections of Yukon First Nations and the Yukon Francophone community for visitors flying into the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport. Beyond a welcoming introduction to the Yukon experience, the new sign also embodies the collaborative spirit that propels our territory forward, making it a remarkable place to visit and call home for Yukoners.

Minister of Tourism and Culture and Minister Responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker

I am happy to see this new land acknowledgment sign welcome visitors and those returning to our beautiful home. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world choose the Yukon as a vacation destination each year. Many of them arrive here at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport. This new sign will help teach people about the Traditional Territories of our home. If this is your first time here, I encourage you to get out on the land to enjoy some of the breath-taking scenery we have to offer. From Chasàn Chuà, McIntyre Creek, to Łu Zil Män, Fish Lake, to Kwanlin or Miles Canyon, your adventure awaits! Dakeyī yè chù mayè nìít'är. Respect our land and water please.

Chief of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation Sean Uyenets'echᶖa Smith

In the spirit of the Land Claims, I am pleased to see that decades of partnerships allow us to proudly welcome visitors from all over the world to our Traditional Territory. Join us in keeping the Yukon larger than life, clean, and thriving by enjoying the land respectfully for all visitors and for future generations that call Yukon home.

Chief of the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Amanda Leas

Quick facts

  • The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is the busiest of the Yukon's 29 airports and aerodromes, with over 400,000 passengers every year.

  • Southern Tutchone is one of the Yukon's 8 Indigenous language groups, which also include Gwich'in, Hän, Kaska, Northern Tutchone, Tagish, Tlingit and Upper Tanana.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]

Antoine Goulet
Highways and Public Works
867-334-5517
[email protected]

News release #:
24-290