The Government of Yukon continues awarding Yukon 125 medals to remarkable Yukoners in commemoration of the territory’s 125th anniversary.
Today, the Government of Yukon celebrates 25 more outstanding Yukoners who embody the values of leadership and reconciliation and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the territory. Over the course of September, another 25 recipients will be announced each week.
This week’s Yukon 125 medal recipients are:
- Charlene Alexander;
- Tom Amson;
- Michelle Beaulieu;
- Dan Bushnell;
- Keith Byram;
- Dr. Huy Chau;
- Harris Cox;
- Dylan Cozens;
- Dan Curtis;
- Dakali (Hammond Dick);
- Michel Emery;
- Gaye Hanson;
- Linda Johnson;
- Anne Leckie;
- Lilou Lefebvre;
- Gavin McKenna;
- Georgette McLeod;
- Kelly Milner;
- Olive Passmore;
- Albert Peter;
- Ann Maje Raider;
- Anne Tayler;
- Sarah Usher;
- Adeline Webber; and
- Kirsty Wells.
These recipients come from diverse backgrounds and sectors, such as public service, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, the arts and environmental stewardship. More information about these impressive Yukoners is included in the Backgrounder.
The medals feature original artwork by Carcross/Tagish First Nation artist Violet Gatensby. The artwork, Resilient Hearts/Insightful Vision, was designed to celebrate Yukoners who have demonstrated strong foresight and work ethic to foster a future where all generations can heal and thrive.
Each week, I am humbled by the incredible dedication of these exceptional Yukoners. I've witnessed firsthand the positive impacts they make in our communities, uplifting those around them. Day in and day out, their contributions to the territory inspire me and remind us all of what makes the Yukon such a special place to call home.
- Charlene Alexander: a driving force in Northern Indigenous arts and culture since 1989, Charlene founded the Great Northern Arts Festival, co-founded the Adäka Cultural Festival and expanded visual arts programs, while leading the transformation of the Yukon First Nations Tourism Association to include arts and culture.
- Tom Amson: a retired substance use counsellor, Tom has made multiple contributions through volunteerism and community leadership.
- Michelle Beaulieu: a dedicated educator, Michelle is a leader in the Golden Horn outdoor education program where students learn skills in leadership, team building and work ethic.
- Dan Bushnell: a local visual and tattoo artist, Dan actively fundraises for community organizations.
- Keith Byram: President of Pelly Construction, Keith is a former Chair of the Yukon Hospital Corporation, a long-time member of the Association of Professional Engineers of the Yukon and served as a director for numerous business organizations.
- Dr. Huy Chau: serving as the Associate Chief of Staff, Medical, at Whitehorse General Hospital, Dr. Chau has been instrumental in the care and wellbeing for many Yukoners as well as having raised thousands of dollars for cancer research.
- Harris Cox: has worked to maintain, upgrade and develop Braeburn Summer Camp, the Whitehorse United Church and over 600 kilometres of winter trails throughout the Yukon.
- Dylan Cozens: the first hockey player from the Yukon to be a first-round draft pick in both the WHL and NHL. Dylan has also represented Canada on the men’s national junior ice hockey team.
- Dan Curtis: a dedicated public servant and long-serving mayor of Whitehorse, Dan’s focus on relationship-building with the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council was a milestone for the City of Whitehorse.
- Dakali (Hammond Dick): served as Chief of the Ross River Indian Band and Tribal Chief of the Kaska Tribal Council for 21 years. He played a pivotal role in securing Kaska rights during land claim negotiations.
- Michel Emery: recognized with the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018, Michel has been an educational leader and innovator in the North, mentoring the Yukon’s next generation of leaders.
- Gaye Hanson: an Indigenous nurse leader who has remained committed to nursing throughout a diverse career. As past president of the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada and a member of national groups, she has been a strong voice in advocating for the interest of nurses and populations in rural, remote Canada and, in the Yukon. As a former assistant deputy minister and deputy minister in the Yukon, Gaye led policy initiatives such as the Yukon Health Act and the Registered Nurses Profession Act.
- Linda Johnson: a historian and archivist, Linda collaborates with First Nations Elders and culture bearers to explore new perspectives on Indigenous and northern research.
- Anne Leckie: has worked in Yukon land claims and implementation since the 1980s and was a founding member of the Mayo Historical Society.
- Lilou Lefebvre: through a Grade 8 science fair project, Lilou helped uncover lead contamination in Del Van Gorder School’s water supply.
- Gavin McKenna: became the first Yukon-born hockey player to be drafted first overall in the WHL's bantam draft in 2022, selected by the Medicine Hat Tigers.
- Georgette McLeod: a dedicated Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizen, Georgette plays a vital role in preserving the Han language and culture, leading Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in singers and dancers and shaping policy for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in government.
- Kelly Milner: wildlife management expert turned filmmaker, Kelly founded Shot in the Dark Media, producing works like Shift and Northern Tails that highlight the Yukon’s environment and provide global exposure and local employment.
- Olive Passmore: Olive’s Grade 8 science fair project exposed lead contamination in Del Van Gorder School's water supply.
- Albert Peter: a respected leader, Albert has spent over four decades advocating for land use planning, treaty obligations and the spirit of the Umbrella Final Agreement for which he played a key role in its development.
- Ann Maje Raider: former Chief of the Liard First Nation, Ann prioritized community development and wellness. She founded the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society, advocating for Indigenous women’s rights.
- Anne Tayler: co-founder of Raven Recycling and the Yukon International Storytelling Festival, Anne has advanced recycling systems and highlighted First Nations stories. She volunteers with the Guild Hall, Frostbite Music Festival and Yukon Quest.
- Sarah Usher: is the Priest-in-Charge of the Church of the Northern Apostles and St. Philips and serves as Executive Archdeacon for the Diocese of Yukon.
- Adeline Webber: currently serving as Commissioner of Yukon, Adeline has championed Indigenous rights for over 30 years. Founder of the Yukon Indian Women’s Association, she has held various leadership roles in the territory.
- Kirsty Wells: a tattoo artist based at Molotov & Bricks Tattoo, Kirsty studied fine art at SOVA in Dawson and has gained international popularity. She is also a fundraiser for community organizations.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Jordan Lutz
Executive Council Office, Communications
867-335-9058
jordan.lutz@yukon.ca