The Yukon and Northwest Territories are in Canada’s north and border above British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Indigenous peoples in the Yukon and Northwest Territory are the Dene, Southern and Northern Tutchone, Tlingit, Tagish, Kaska, Tanana, Han, Gwich’in(1), Inuit and Metis.
Throughout the Yukon and Northwest Territories there are multiple examples of traditional forms of craft and design. Among the most common include elaborate animal carvings made from stone, bone, antler and even ivory. Derrald Taylor, Inuvialuit artist, carver, jeweler and scuptor and John Sabourin, Dene artist, carver, painter and sculptor(13) are both examples of talented Indigenous craft and design artists in this northern region of Canada.
Another timeless craft being revived is blanket and regalia weaving by Chilkat and Ravenstail weaver Ann Smith former chief of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and lifetime resident of the Yukon Territory. “I do this because of my pride in my Indian culture. When I am weaving, I feel a sense of peace. There is a lot of growth in that.”(14)
A unique craft used centuries ago by Cree and Dene to adorn their garments is a technique called moose or caribou hair tufting. This intricate craft involves skill at pulling small amounts of moose or caribou hair through leather hides in very detailed flora and animal patterns. This art form was nearly lost and has gone through a recent revival with interest among young people to keep this timeless craft active with the use of traditional material and methods, combined with some contemporary adaptations have brought meaning and vitality to this art form(15).
This article is a non-comprehensive and living document that provides an overview of artistic activities in the region. It will be revised as necessary as part of our ongoing process of continuous updates.
1) http://travelyukon.com/aboutyukonterritory/firstnations/
13) http://www.artistsincanada.com/php/~aboriginal.php
14) http://hudsonhudson.netfirms.com/ann/
15) http://www.bearclawgallery.com/GiftCategories.aspx?GiftCategoryID=6