When: Thursday, August 20, 2026

Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre

Doors will open at 6:30 pm, with programming starting at 7 pm sharp

Join Michael and Kathy in celebrating the launch of their new book “Northern Brothers: The History of the Yukon Order of Pioneers”. They will be joined by a guest speaker, renowned storyteller Ellen Davignon. The book will be available for sale at the event. Buy a book and get it signed by Michael and Kathy.

We are looking for volunteers for this event! If you are interested please contact Cathy at chines@northwestel.net.

Dear YHMA members,

Summer and fall always bring out the best kind of Yukon stories – the ones tucked into archives, found in field notes, overheard at community gatherings, or rediscovered in a box you meant to sort years ago. For our upcoming Summer/Fall newsletter, we are gathering contributions that carry the shape and spirit of Yukon heritage. If you’ve uncovered an object with a story stitched into it, wrapped up a heritage project that deserves daylight, attended something that deepened your sense of place or captured an image that feels like a small piece of Yukon memory, we would love to include it!

Submission examples:

• Your submission can be brief or sprawling.
• A single photograph with a quiet backstory.
• A column-length reflection on a discovery.
• A news item with your byline.
• Notes from a workshop that shifted your understanding of local history.
• Glimpses of personal collections, community initiatives, or heritage moments that shouldn’t stay untold.

We can accommodate a handful of images – preferably .JPG – and we welcome anything that helps preserve, celebrate, or questions Yukon’s past and present.

Send submissions and inquiries to: programs@heritageyukon.ca 

Attach your photos, include your author credit if you’re sharing news or a story, and don’t worry about fitting a particular mold. Heritage rarely behaves neatly, and we are happy to receive pieces that wander.

We look forward to seeing what you have found, remembered, or brought to life this season.

Warmly,

YHMA Staff

When: Tuesday, July 13, 2026, 7 pm (doors & silent auction open 6:30 pm)
Where: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre (Kilometre 1423 Alaska Highway)

You are invited for an evening focused on Whitehorse’s historic buildings, and as well as a silent auction.

Event Schedule:

6:30 pm: Silent Auction Starts! Funds raised will help support repainting Captain Martin House in Lepage Park.

7 pm: “Historic Whitehorse Buildings” talk and interactive discussion led by Al Foster. Bring your questions and stories!

Date & Time: Monday, June 29, 2026, 5:30 pm
Location: Captain Martin House (305 Wood Street, Whitehorse – access from alley between Wood and Steele Streets) and online (Zoom – registration required)

Join us on Monday, June 29 at Captain Martin House or on Zoom for our 2026 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 2025-26 financial statements, presenting our 2026-27 budget for approval by the members, and electing our 2026-27 Board of Directors.

If you plan to attend in person, an RSVP is appreciated, but not required. Zoom participants must register in advance. Please note that in-person attendance requires the use of stairs.

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

Members 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 3:30 pm on Monday, June 29, 2026 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.

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

Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to get funding for training projects starting August 1, 2026 or later. Individuals and groups are invited to apply to HTF to undertake or create a training opportunity that will increase the skills and knowledge of Yukoners in the heritage sector. 

The Yukon Heritage Training Fund (HTF) is funded by the Yukon Government’s Building UP program (Labour Market Development, Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture) and is administered by the Yukon Historical & Museums Association (YHMA).

To access application documents and the current fund policy, click here.

Captain Martin House has stood in the heart of downtown Whitehorse for more than a century, and it is time to help it shine again. YHMA is fundraising campaign to repaint the house and safely remove the hazardous lead-based paint that make this project a major undertaking. The full project cost is $92,000. YHMA has a fundraising goal of $50,000 to complete the project and keep this historic building strong for years to come.

Captain Martin House is one of the three historic homes beside LePage Park. It is a designated Municipal Historic Site, home to several non-profits, and a familiar landmark for anyone who spends time downtown. Giving it a fresh coat paint is not cosmetic, it is essential. Before the new paint can go on, the old lead-based layers must be carefully remediated.

Thanks to support from the Government of Yukon’s Historic Properties Assistance Program, materials and part of the remediation are already funded.

Fundraising includes a peer-to-peer campaign, donations, sponsorships, silent auctions, bazaars and more. Anyone who donates or fundraises through the peer-to-peer campaign will receive a copy of a virtual tour of Yukon River sites connected to Captain Martin’s travels, a small window into the world he once navigated.

Patrick Martin’s story stretches far beyond Whitehorse. Before becoming a local merchant, he was a master mariner who sailed major oceans. His final major voyage brought him up the west coast, through the Aleutians, and 4,000 miles up the Yukon River to Whitehorse. He built his home between 1900 and 1908, added a second storey in 1917, and lived there with his family until the late 1930s. The house was later moved to 305 Wood Street and restored in the late 1980s.

To follow upcoming fundraising activities, check out our Facebook Page here, or visit our website heritageyukon.ca.

Last summer, we circulated a petition to MP Brendan Hanley regarding Building 200, also known as the former Northwest Highway System Headquarters. This Recognized Federal Heritage Building is situated on the former Camp Takhini military base, located on Range Road adjacent to the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse. The property on which it is located had been added to the Canada Public Land Bank after being identified as suitable for housing development.

We are pleased to announce that the petition was successfully certified and MP Hanley presented it in parliament on April 21. In the government response, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Jenna Sudds indicated that the property has been removed from the Canada Public Land Bank and the disposal process has been paused. The building continues to house various government offices. The petition and full government response can be found here.

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and helped secure this response!

Update June 4, 2026: This position has now been filled.

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 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program of Employment and Social Development Canada and may be funded in part by the Young Canada Works (YCW) program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Due to funding requirements, 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.

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.

Wage: $23.07/hour
Hours: 37.5 hours/week (or up to 40 hours/week if the candidate is a student)
Start Date: As soon as possible
End Date: August 28, 2026 (flexible)
Application Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2026 or until filled

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

Cover letters must include a statement affirming the candidate meets the essential qualifications. Applications that do not include this affirmation will not be considered.

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