Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker on Tr'ondëk-Klondike being inscribed to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites

Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon wishes to congratulate the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in on the inscription of Tr'ondëk-Klondike to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

“Being on the UNESCO World Heritage List means that a site, place, or landmark has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having outstanding universal value to humanity. Yukoners have long understood the importance of the Tr'ondëk-Klondike, but it is incredible to see this recognition on a larger, global scale.

“Developed by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and the Tr’ondëk-Klondike World Heritage Site Advisory Committee, with support from the Government of Yukon and Parks Canada, Tr'ondëk-Klondike is a testament to Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in’s enduring relationship to the land and their resilient response to the intense upheaval brought about by unchecked colonial expansion from 1874 and 1908.

“While this World Heritage List status only confirms what the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in have always known, it is an important and powerful story for the world to know, reflect on and learn from. Our government is proud to be a partner in this designation and the ongoing work towards reconciliation.”