This news release has been updated with additional background information for Frances Taylor.
The Government of Yukon continues to commemorate the territory’s 125th anniversary by awarding 125 medals to Yukoners who embody the values of leadership and reconciliation and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the territory.
Today, the Government of Yukon celebrates another 25 outstanding Yukoners. Over the course of September, another 25 recipients will be announced each week.
This week’s Yukon 125 medal recipients are:
- Lance Burton;
- Shanon Cooper;
- Lindsay Cornell;
- Ivan Coyote;
- Margaret (Peggy) D'Orsay;
- Sharon Davis;
- Kim Diamond;
- Marj Eschak;
- Joella Hogan;
- Patrick Jackson;
- Beverly James;
- Colleen James;
- Joanne Lewis;
- Judy Lightening;
- Frank Lutz;
- Gerd Mannsperger;
- Audrey McLaughlin;
- Renee Mills;
- Claire Ness;
- Matsʼäsä̀na Mą Primozic;
- Donald Roberts;
- Ron Rousseau;
- Annaka Sarek;
- Janna Swales; and
- Frances Taylor.
More information about these impressive Yukoners is included in the Backgrounder.
The medals, featuring original artwork by Carcross/Tagish First Nation artist Violet Gatensby are awarded to Yukoners who exemplify leadership and reconciliation values and have made significant contributions to the territory's wellbeing. These recipients come from diverse backgrounds and sectors, such as public service, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, the arts and environmental stewardship.
Congratulations to these 25 remarkable Yukoners! The Yukon’s 125th anniversary has offered us a chance to reflect on what makes the Yukon such a unique and wonderful place and I am incredibly proud to recognize their outstanding achievements.
Backgrounder
- Lance Burton: served as the Executive Director of the Youth of Today Society for over 20 years. He has worked extensively with the First Nations community, focusing on raising awareness for residential school Survivors and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
- Shanon Cooper: born and raised in Mayo, served as the Mayor of Mayo, working alongside the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun. She also contributed to the book Heart of the Yukon: A Natural and Cultural History of the Mayo Area.
- Lindsay Cornell: Executive Director of BGC Yukon, ensures inclusivity and support for diverse cultures. Under her leadership, BGCY has expanded its services, including the creation of community satellite programs.
- Ivan Coyote: an award-winning writer, film creator, performer and storyteller. Ivan has transformed lives across Canada through books, performances and work with school students.
- Margaret (Peggy) D'Orsay: significantly contributed to Yukon information resources for over three decades as an archives librarian at the Yukon Archives.
- Sharon Davis: has been a teacher since 1977 and a school psychologist since 2000, positively impacting the lives of Yukon youth and adults. At 81, she continues to be a committed and knowledgeable educator.
- Kim Diamond: a former intensive care nurse at Whitehorse General Hospital, Kim has been teaching health care assistants at Yukon University for over 20 years. She has integrated First Nations Elders into the curriculum, helping students learn about traditional foods, social customs and the cultural impacts of colonialism.
- Marj Eschak: inspired by the Rendezvous Festival, co-founded the Snowshoe Shufflers in 1985. This popular dance group, known for performing in square-dancing skirts and snowshoes, has been active for almost 40 years.
- Joella Hogan: owner and operator of Yukon Soaps, connecting people around the world to the North. She combines Indigenous plant knowledge with a passion for self-care.
- Patrick Jackson: undertook a 2,015.2 kilometre walk from the Dempster Corner to the Arctic Circle in 2021 to raise awareness and funds for the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. In 2022, he walked from Dawson to Whitehorse, supporting the Coalition and its Whitehorse Connects program.
- Beverly James: instrumental in supporting the Carcross community by organizing comprehensive recreational programs for youth and adults for over 20 years as the Recreation Director.
- Colleen James: chairs the South Klondike Local Advisory Council, facilitates cultural camps, teaches fish cleaning and works with children in schools. She is a passionate advocate for the importance of animal connections and the protection of land and water.
- Joanne Lewis: has a diverse career, spanning roles in the Government of Yukon’s Executive Council Office, private consulting and the Yukon Housing Corporation. Since 2010, she has led the Northern Institute of Social Justice at Yukon University, promoting social justice and reconciliation in the Yukon.
- Judy Lightening: a dedicated volunteer involved with organizations such as the Golden Age Society, ElderActive, Whitehorse Hospital Women's Auxiliary and the Whitehorse Legion Branch 254.
- Frank Lutz: nominated for his leadership and efforts to build a better future for Liard First Nations citizens.
- Gerd Mannsperger: through his business Alpine Aviation, Gerd has been making the backcountry accessible for 28 years, benefiting tourism, outfitting industries and locals. He has played a key role in surveying the Yukon, helping government and environmental groups understand and preserve the region's biodiversity.
- Audrey McLaughlin: established the first social work program at Yukon University. She made history as the first female leader of a national political party and the first from the Yukon as the leader of the NDP. Audrey played significant roles in national events and advocated for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
- Renee Mills: has been a dedicated advocate for youth in Whitehorse for over 15 years as a supervisor at the Youth Achievement Centre. Renee has fostered an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes collaboration and empowerment and is committed to reconciliation and cultural sensitivity.
- Claire Ness: a prolific songwriter and the founding Artistic Director of the Yukon Circus Society, which brings circus workshops and performances to Yukon communities.
- Matsʼäsä̀na Mą Primozic: a proud member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and a tireless advocate for language revitalization in the Yukon. Matsʼäsä̀na Mą coordinates youth and adult language programs, serves on multiple advisory boards and actively promotes Southern Tutchone language and culture.
- Donald Roberts: has served as a principal and President of the Yukon TEST Program for over 20 years. Since 2012, he has chaired Yukoners Concerned About Oil and Gas Exploration and Development, focusing on protecting the Yukon’s water resources.
- Ron Rousseau: has been dedicated to human rights advocacy, the Idle No More movement and has worked with the Turtle Island Institute for over 20 years.
- Annaka Sarek: has been providing care for hundreds of Yukoners as the Principal Mammography Technologist for the Yukon Mammography Program at Whitehorse General Hospital for over 25 years.
- Janna Swales: a museumist at the Yukon Transportation Museum for 14 years, Janna excels in curatorial practice. Her work emphasizes reconciliation and environmental care through meticulous research and innovative storytelling.
- Frances Taylor: has worked for over 47 years with the federal Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, supporting Indigenous communities in the Yukon and Northern BC. Frances was also a founder of the National First Nations Science Camp. Additionally, she has volunteered with the Klondike Road Relay for over 30 years as well as with the Takhini and Whitehorse Curling Clubs since the early 1970s.
Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Jordan Lutz
Executive Council Office, Communications
867-335-9058
jordan.lutz@yukon.ca
News release #:
24-370