The following is an open letter to Brendan Hanley (Canada MP for Yukon), Hon. Jen Gehmair (Yukon Minister of Economic Development / Tourism and Culture), Mayor and Council (City of Whitehorse) and the Yukon News.

The Yukon Historical and Museums Association (YHMA) sees a major opportunity to preserve one of Yukon’s significant historic buildings following the federal announcement naming Whitehorse as a Northern Operating Hub in the Arctic defense plan. Although details are limited, the hub will require office space and accommodation, and YHMA suggests that upgrading Building 200, the former Northwest Highway System Headquarters at 419 Range Road, would be an ideal solution to either or both challenges.

Building 200 was constructed as a barracks in 1952 on the former Camp Takhini Canadian army base. It became the operational headquarters for military services along the highway in 1955. The building has a Classical Modern design with good craftsmanship. Parks Canada was the most recent custodian of the building, and an extensive exterior renovation was completed in 1995.

Camp Takhini and the Air Force housing at Hillcrest reshaped Whitehorse by introducing modern infrastructure and shifted the community’s focus away from the river and toward the new transportation corridor linking the capital to the southern provinces. The former Alaska Highway Administration Building remains a key landmark both as a reminder of profound changes in Yukon’s economy and population and as a symbol of Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty.

YHMA is committed to protecting Yukon’s built heritage, and there are strong practical reasons beyond nostalgia to keep the well‑constructed Building 200 out of the landfill. Demolishing an older building and replacing it with a new “green” one can take 10 to 80 years to offset the climate impacts of demolition and new construction. Heritage BC notes that demolition generates up to 30 times more waste per square metre than renovation or building new. What’s often overlooked in cost calculations is the significant environmental damage caused by producing new construction materials.

The former Northwest Highway System Headquarters (Building 200) has already proven its adaptability, having been successfully converted from barracks to office space, and its solid, classic construction makes it well suited for reuse. The building’s future is currently uncertain. Canada’s Arctic defense plan offers a timely opportunity to honour its history, advance climate‑responsible action, and give this important building a renewed purpose.

cc. Hon. Jen Gehmair, jen.gehmair@netadmin
cc. Brendan Hanley, brendan.hanley@parl.gc.ca
cc. City of Whitehorse Mayor and Council, mayorcouncil@whitehorse.ca
cc. Letters to the Editor, Yukon News

Gain valuable heritage sector work experience in Canada’s beautiful North! We’re seeking an engaged, self-motivated individual to join our team this summer as Administration and Communications Assistant, focusing on progressing YHMA’s strategic priorities related to community building, knowledge-sharing, and strengthened organizational capacity.

The successful candidate will gain experience in and develop skills related to AI, non-profit heritage organization management, develop a professional network in the Yukon heritage community, and gain a deeper understanding of Yukon heritage and the overall heritage sector.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Administration and Communications Assistant will research and experiment with best practices and tools for ethical AI use to inform an AI Policy and incorporation of AI into workflows; manage and update YHMA’s online communications channels and newsletter; collaborate with various stakeholders to coordinate public events and activities; and assist with routine office management tasks.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop an individualized training plan and to participate in additional opportunities for professional development and networking where possible.

The successful candidate will also be provided with the option to work remotely where tasks allow.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and prepare a report on best practices for ethical use of AI in non-profit cultural organizations to inform the creation of an AI Policy, including identification of specific tasks/workflows for which use of AI would be best suited and corresponding AI tools;
• In tandem with other tasks, experiment with implementation of identified tools and begin development of suggested applicable procedures/guidelines for their use that align with best practices;
• Develop, distribute, and analyze subscriber/follower survey(s) on social media and e-bulletin content/format;
• Create and begin implementation of social media content plan and schedule, as well as e-bulletin redesign, based on survey results, in-platform analytics, organizational priorities, and best practices;
• Assist with launch of new website, including adding/updating content for launch;
• Manage ongoing content distribution to social media and website;
• Assist with ongoing production and distribution of e-bulletin;
• Produce and distribute Fall/Winter organizational newsletter;
• Collaborate with YHMA team members and partners in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors to plan, promote, deliver, and report on a limited number (2-3) of small-scale special events and activities that support the goals of community building, knowledge-sharing, fundraising, and promotion for YHMA, Yukon heritage, and the Yukon heritage sector;
• Assist with basic office and grounds maintenance;
• Assist with basic administrative tasks such as filing, record keeping, and office organization; and
• Prepare a final report outlining projects/tasks completed and results.

Essential Qualifications
This position is located in Whitehorse, Yukon. Candidates must reside in Whitehorse or be willing to relocate to Whitehorse for the duration of the position. Assistance in locating housing will be provided if needed. This position is funded in part by the Young Canada Works (YCW) program of the Department of Canadian Heritage and/or the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program of Employment and Social Development Canada. Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this position:

• be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada;
• valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada;
• be between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment;
• be a high school, college, CEGEP or university student (if funded through YCW); and
• be registered in the YCW online candidate inventory (if funded through YCW).

Candidates who are not students or not yet registered in the YCW online candidate inventory but meet other criteria are invited to apply but may not be eligible once funding details have been confirmed.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong interest in heritage, especially Yukon heritage, and the heritage sector;
• Studying in a related field, including but not limited to: archival studies, records and information management, collections management, communications, curatorial studies, cultural/heritage resource management, museum studies/museology, conservation, history, Aboriginal studies, arts administration, or non-profit management;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team setting;
• Comfortable working and communicating with diverse individuals;
• Experience in communications and marketing, program planning, data collection and analytics, research, and/or report writing;
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with email and MS Office and/or GSuite;
• Experience with Microsoft Publisher or other desktop publishing software, social media, online meeting software, website design and content management systems, and/or digital analytics will be considered an asset

YHMA welcomes participation from equity groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Term: 15.2 weeks, May 11-August 28 (approximate)
Application Deadline: Sunday, April 26, 2026

How to Apply

Apply with cover letter and résumé by email to:

Lianne Maitland (she/her)
Executive Director
info@heritageyukon.ca
Subject: Administration and Communications Assistant application

YHMA has one second floor office space available to rent as of April 1, 2026 in Captain Martin House, located in downtown Whitehorse at 305 Wood Street, next to Lepage Park. The Captain Martin House is a designated Municipal Historic Site and currently home to several non-profit organizations. Come be part of this community!

The office is approximately 87 square feet. Rent includes access to shared bathrooms, kitchen, meeting room, weekly cleaning of common areas, wifi, electricity, heat, security system and monitoring, garbage removal, and recycling. The space can be rented furnished or unfurnished.

Four parking spots are available for the building on a first come, first served basis. There is ample paid street parking nearby.

A minimum one-year lease is preferred. Rent starts at $650 per month. For additional information or to arrange a viewing, contact Lianne at 867-667-4704 or info@heritageyukon.ca.

Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026, doors open 6:30 pm, talk starts 7 pm
Location: Yukon Visitor Information Centre (100 Hanson Street, Whitehorse)

Join the Yukon Historical & Museums Association (YHMA) and historian Helene Dobrowolsky for a fascinating, free talk (with photos!) on Captain Patrick Martin, namesake of the Captain Martin House in downtown Whitehorse’s Lepage Park.

This building, which YHMA manages, is a designated Municipal Historic Site. Come out, enjoy the talk, and help us preserve the home of this legendary Yukoner by bidding on a selection of silent auction items. Donations will also be accepted. All are welcome!

About the Talk

Patrick Martin was one of the pioneer merchants of Whitehorse. For nearly 30 years he outfitted wood camps, roadhouses, First Nations people, and Whitehorse citizens with clothing, gear, and groceries from his store, the Arctic Trading Company.

Long before becoming a Yukoner, however, Martin was a master mariner sailing the world’s major oceans. He left his Newfoundland outport home to go sealing on the spring pack ice, whaling near Greenland, and freighting cod to the West Indies, South America, and the Mediterranean. After rounding Cape Horn to deliver a schooner to Victoria, he hunted fur seals in the seas off Japan and Russia. Martin was on the spot when the first prospectors emerged from the Klondike and caught gold fever. Then he too was off to the Yukon. His last great maritime adventure was an epic 4000-mile trip steering the sternwheeler Canadian from Victoria, up the west coast, through the Aleutian Island then up the Yukon River to White Horse Landing.

Known as a colourful storyteller, Martin penned his memoirs in the early 1930s. Helene will be sharing stories and images from Captain Martin’s remarkable life. She will be joined by Tip Evans who will be reading excerpts from Martin’s writings. Learn about the man behind the Captain Martin house and the remains of the sternwheeler Canadian by the South Access road.

WHITEHORSE, YT – The 2026 Annual Yukon Heritage Awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, February 24 and feature the presentation of five awards to a combined total of seven deserving recipients.

The Yukon Historical and Museums Association (YHMA), which organizes the awards, invites the public to attend the ceremony at the Yukon Archives and help honour the award recipients. The event will start at 7 pm, with doors opening at 6:45 pm. No registration is required.

“Each year, we have the pleasure of hosting the heritage awards to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of Yukon heritage,” says Lianne Maitland, Executive Director of YHMA. “These seven individuals have had an immeasurable impact on the sector, in preserving and sharing Yukon heritage for the benefit of Yukoners now and in the future. What stands out to me is that all our recipients this year have in some way helped the next generation connect with heritage, which is so important for keeping the Yukon’s stories alive and our community thriving. We can’t wait to celebrate them.”

The awards to be presented include the Annual Yukon Heritage Award, two History Maker awards, the Helen Couch Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Innovation, Education, and Community Engagement Award.

Leading up to the awards presentation, guest speaker Amber Heals will give a talk entitled “Planting Seeds of Change Through Interpretation.” Amber is a Yukon First Nations interpreter passionate about sharing the history and culture of the Yukon and its First Peoples. She views interpretation as storytelling with structure, a dynamic and engaging way to share ideas and connect to Kwäday times, the days of long ago, and to shift perspectives and create change. A reception will follow the ceremony.

YHMA thanks the Yukon Archives and Historic Sites Unit, Government of Yukon for their support of this event.

About the Recipients

Patrick “Koolseen” James will receive the Annual Heritage Award (posthumous) following a life dedicated to strengthening the cultural and environmental heritage of Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) and the Yukon. A respected Elder and leader, he shared knowledge with generosity and guided community decision‑making for decades. Patrick contributed significantly to land stewardship through his work with the Carcross/Tagish Land Management Board and the Yukon Land Use Planning Council. He advocated for the protection of the Southern Lakes Caribou Herd and helped pass this stewardship ethic on to youth. His leadership also shaped the Carcross/Tagish Final Agreement, and he served as Chief from 1995 to 2001. Beyond governance, he operated boat charters that allowed him to share teachings about the land, water, and animals with visitors. In 2022, Patrick joined the Conrad Historic Site Working Group as the C/TFN Elder representative, where his cultural insight and thoughtful guidance strengthened the implementation of the site’s Management and Interpretation Plans, ensuring they reflect Indigenous values and long‑standing relationships to the area.

A History Maker Award will be presented to Donna Darbyshire, whose unwavering dedication to preserving Yukon First Nations (YFN) heritage and culture shines through in her professional and volunteer work in cultural heritage. From her start in the 1980s as producer at Northern Native Broadcasting, to her role from the 1990s to 2016 as Native Reference Assistant at the Yukon Archives and Whitehorse Public Library, to her current position of Photo Archivist with the Council of Yukon First Nations, Donna has spent over four decades researching, preserving, and providing access to heritage, often dedicating far more hours than required by her job. Even outside of work, she is an eager and much-sought-after assistant and a source of inspiration to those working on family histories or researching other topics related to YFN history and culture. She also served as a volunteer on the board of the Yukon Council of Archives for several years, bringing sage advice for developing community archival services in First Nations.

Lesley Buchan will also be recognized with a History Maker Award. Recently retired, Lesley’s extensive career and volunteer work has had an immeasurable impact on both the archival sector and the individuals within it. Having started at the Yukon Archives when it was still housed in a small facility downtown, Lesley contributed to many innovations as the Archives developed over the years. Her work arranging and describing countless records, as well as her talent for making connections among researchers, resources, and experts, has supported many in learning about territorial history, while her deep knowledge of archival resources, her curiosity, and her helpful personality make her a powerful ambassador for the Yukon Archives and Yukon heritage more broadly. Lesley has also been an active volunteer, contributing many hours to archives-related organizations both local and national. Her leadership shows in her dedication to offering advice and training opportunities to younger colleagues, participation in strategic discussions to promote archival development, and advocacy for the preservation of our collective cultural memory.

Helen Couch Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Cathy Hines brings her experience as former Executive Director of the Dawson City Museum and as a teacher to her volunteer work with YHMA. She is a long-serving board member, having held multiple offices including President, Secretary, and, currently, Treasurer, as well as serving on various committees. With her background in teaching, Cathy has become a fixture of the Yukon/Stikine Regional Heritage Fair, acting not only as Head Judge but also as an essential member of the organizing committee. This program is aimed at students in grades 4-9. Numerous other events and fundraisers have also come to fruition thanks to Cathy’s constant willingness to lend a hand, and she never hesitates to help where needed in the YHMA office. In addition, Cathy currently sits on the Yukon Church Heritage Society Board of Directors and has developed educational resources and programs for several Yukon museums.

Bessie Jim, Christle Moulton, and Mierl Richard will jointly receive the Innovation, Education, and Community Engagement Award for their outstanding interpretation of Tséi Zhéłe / Sinwaa Éex’i Yé / Conrad Historic Site (Conrad). As cultural ambassadors, they bring authenticity, humility, and leadership to every program and event. Their work offers visitors of all ages and backgrounds an immersive, culturally grounded experience shaped by language, oral tradition, and a deep respect for Haa Ḵusteeyí / Our Ways of Being and Knowing. Through storytelling, traditional knowledge, and activities such as bannock-making and fur preparation, the three illuminate the Tagish Kwan people’s enduring connection to the land while addressing the layered history of First Nation stewardship, mining, and recreation at Conrad. Teachings shared in both English and Tlingit highlight core values of respect, balance, and interconnectedness. Together, the Conrad Interpreters exemplify excellence in cultural education and heritage stewardship, fostering meaningful cross-cultural engagement alongside the revitalization of language and cultural practices.

Award descriptions can be found at here.

The Yukon Historical & Museums Association (YHMA) is participating in a new, collaborative, and industry-led initiative to explore the possible development of a territory-wide Destination Improvement Fee (DIF).

This work is being led by the Tourism Partners — Klondike Visitors Association (KVA), Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA Yukon), Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon (WTAY), Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT), Yukon Outfitters Association (YOA), and YHMA — with funding support from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and the Government of Yukon.

The initiative is focused on understanding whether and how a made-in-Yukon DIF could support both the community and industry in the long term. A news release announcing the launch of Phase 1 of this work has been shared with Yukon and national media. No decisions have been made — this phase is about listening, learning, and understanding options together as an industry.

Why This Work Is Happening

Tourism is a vital part of Yukon’s economy and community life. This initiative is exploring whether a territory-wide Destination Improvement Fee could support:

• Tourism sustainability
• Enhanced visitor experiences
• Shared industry priorities
• Long-term investment in tourism infrastructure and services

The work is grounded in the principle that the tourism industry is best positioned to lead this exploration.

Industry-Led & Inclusive

While the initiative is led by the Tourism Partners, the project emphasizes engagement across:

• All tourism sectors
• All regions of the Yukon
• Yukon First Nations and Indigenous partners
• Communities and stakeholders

The process is focused on listening, learning, and working collaboratively to ensure any future approach reflects Yukon’s unique economic, cultural, and geographic realities.

What Happens Next

Consulting proponents are under review to be engaged to support facilitated industry engagement and analysis.

Over the coming months, the project will:

• Gather input from tourism operators and partners
• Explore governance and funding models
• Identify potential priorities and opportunities
• Share findings with industry partners and funders

Results will help inform next steps and future decision-making.

Primary Project Contact

Allison Camenzuli
Executive Director, Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon
executive@wtay.com | P: 867-668-3369 | C: 867-446-9960

Nomination Deadline: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Do you know an individual, organization, community group, First Nation, or business that has made significant contributions to conserve, celebrate, and share Yukon’s heritage?

The Yukon Historical & Museums Association is seeking nominations for the 2025 Yukon Heritage Awards. The deadline for submissions is midnight on January 18, 2026. Nominations are accepted in the following categories:

• Annual Heritage Award
• History Maker Award
• Helen Couch Volunteer of the Year Award
• Heritage Conservation Project of the Year Award
• Innovation, Education and Community Engagement Award

You can find a list of previous recipients on our website here. Learn more about the award categories and nomination process here.

Symposium Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Symposium Location: Yukon Transportation Museum
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Join us at the 2025 Yukon Heritage Symposium and present your bold ideas, inspiring stories, and thoughtful insights!

We are thrilled to invite proposals for “Pecha-Kucha”-style morning sessions on October 8. This is your chance to take the spotlight and share:

• Thought-provoking questions, theories, and insights into heritage practice
• Exciting projects—past, present, or future—including discoveries, successes, and lessons learned
• Big ideas and bold pitches for new initiatives or collaborations
• News, events, and updates that matter to the Yukon heritage community
• Or anything else that sparks curiosity and conversation in our sector

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a passionate newcomer, or somewhere in between—if it matters to Yukon heritage, we welcome your ideas!

To submit a proposal, complete the form here.

What is a “Pecha Kucha”-style presentation?
Speakers build PowerPoint or equivalent presentations with 20 slides, set to automatically advance every 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This format encourages presentations to be distilled to their essential points, keeping audiences and speakers engaged and on topic. 

Have an idea for something longer, or don’t have the ability to make a PowerPoint or equivalent presentation? Get in touch and we would be happy to discuss potential options. Call 867-667-4074 or email info@heritageyukon.ca.

Symposium Program Overview

• Welcome
• 1st morning session
• Break – refreshments provided
• 2nd morning session
• Lunch – provided
• Workshop (with afternoon break – refreshments provided): Canada’s Museums: Putting the ‘A’ (Accessibility) in IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Leading to belonging), presented by Ingenium and Realize

Registration will be free and participants may register for the morning, afternoon, or both.

The Yukon Historical & Museums Association unequivocally supports the joint statement submitted by the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Rights (ICHR) Task Force to the office of the Prime Minister and the Quality of Life and Well-Being Committee on June 19, which urges the Government of Canada to take leadership in implementing UNDRIP Action Plan Measure 98.

Measure 98 commits Canada to co-developing, with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, a coordinated national approach to repatriation/rematriation of Indigenous cultural belongings and ancestral remains, and as of the most recent annual report on Action Plan implementation is listed as ‘Not started/Pending’.

This measure is a critical step towards reconciliation, a stronger Canada, and the fulfilment of Canada’s obligations under UNDRIP. Recent cases such as the proposed auction of the Hudson Bay Company’s collection clearly demonstrate the urgent need for immediate, decisive action on this measure, and the lack thereof to date is deeply concerning.

Date & Time: Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 5:30 pm
Location: Old Log Church Museum (corner of 3rd Ave. and Elliott St., Whitehorse) and online (Zoom – registration required)

Join us on Tuesday, June 24 at the Old Log Church Museum or on Zoom for our 2025 AGM! All are welcome, although only members are eligible to vote, including designated representatives of Institutional and Corporate Affiliate members. Members who wish to stand for election to the Board must be in good standing and meet all criteria outlined in the Societies Act 47(1).

We will be giving an overview of YHMA’s activities over the past year and what’s in store for the coming year, presenting our 2024-25 financial statements, presenting our 2025-26 budget for approval of the membership, and electing our 2025-26 Board of Directors.

If you plan to attend in person, an RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Zoom participants must register in advance.

Memberships can be purchased online through our membership page. Membership forms will also be available at the meeting.

Members in good standing who cannot attend may cast a proxy vote by filling out and returning a proxy vote appointment form. You can download the form below or contact us to obtain a paper copy. All proxy vote appointment forms must be received at the YHMA office or by email to info@heritageyukon.ca by 4:30 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025 for delivery to the Chairperson presiding over the meeting, or delivered directly to the Chairperson presiding over the meeting prior to its commencement. If you need assistance in finding a proxy, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you to the Old Log Church Museum for providing the meeting space.

Let us know you’re coming in person
Register to attend on Zoom
Download proxy form