Canada Backs Tlingít Cultural Revival in Yukon
For Indigenous communities, the act of gathering ais about more than tradition; it is a way to ensure language, culture, history and sacred bonds with the land are able to thrive and grow stronger.
Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament (Yukon), announced a $95,000 investment in support of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation’s Haa Ḵusteeyí celebration, a gathering of Tlingít communities from across the Yukon, British Columbia and Alaska, held from July 24 to 26, 2025.
He made the announcement at the gathering’s opening ceremony, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The Carcross/Tagish First Nation received $50,000 through the Development component of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. The investment helped support the celebration’s artistic program, which featured more than a dozen traditional and contemporary dance, drumming, storytelling and musical performances that reflect the histories, identities and living traditions of participating Indigenous nations.
The Carcross/Tagish First Nation also received $45,000 through the Events component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program to deliver a series of inclusive, hands-on cultural workshops and youth engagement activities. Haa Ḵusteeyí featured Elder-led workshops on seal-skin moccasin making, hide tanning, cedar hat weaving and carving, among other topics. They encourage intercultural connection and intergenerational sharing of cultural knowledge.
The celebration brought together more than 3,000 people, to honour Tlingít language and traditions through storytelling, dance, ceremony and shared learning.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2025/07/government-of-canada-supports-tlingit-cultural-revitalization-in-yukon.html