This year marks an exciting new beginning for Yukon First Nations – launching a very special event – the Adäka Cultural Festival.  Performing and visual artists from every Yukon First Nation community will gather in a spectacular summer showcase on the Whitehorse waterfront from July 1-9, 2011 to celebrate and share a unique blend of traditional and contemporary drumming, dance, storytelling, songs and visual arts representing our history and evolving cultural motifs.  The Adäka Cultural Festival is a new, focused showcase to develop visual arts, hone performance skills, and promote the revitalization of Yukon First Nations culture, linking all generations to present our unique heritage to Yukon friends and neighbours, plus visitors from around the world.

The Festival is part of the legacy of the acclaimed YFN 2010 Project at the Vancouver Olympics where our Artists Collective of 50 artists performed at 17 different venues over 10 days, with feature presentations at the Aboriginal Pavillion, Northern House, Robson Square, Richmond Ozone, Inuit Art Gallery, Aboriginal Artisan Market. YFN 2010 dazzled audiences from around the world, gaining critical acclaim for our artists. Over the past year representatives of YFN 2010 discussed ideas for sustaining the Olympic spirit.  “We intentionally focussed on investing in our people and their product development – to present Yukon First Nations to the world and also to continue the energy and inspiration from the Games for all Yukon First Nations,” said Katie Johnson, Co-Executive Producer of YFN 2010.  “The greatest consideration in anything we do moving forward is that it must be guided by the contingent that shared this Olympic experience”. We assessed market potential, funding sources, and capacity for delivering a similar audience experience in the Yukon with community, government and industry officials. The Adäka Cultural Festival is the result of this intensive planning.

The Adäka Cultural Festival is a not-for-profit project presented by the Council of Yukon First Nations in partnership with the Yukon Arts Centre. Supporters include all Yukon First Nations, Yukon Government departments of Tourism and Culture and Economic Development, Government of Canada – CanNor and Canada Council for the Arts.  In 2011 we are located in tents on First Avenue and at the Old Firehall, with a gala at the Yukon Arts Centre Theatre.  Starting in summer 2012, the Kwanlin Dun First Nation will be a key Adäka partner with their new First Nations Cultural Centre providing the central venue for Festival events.

The Adäka Cultural Festival will benefit all Yukon people as a cohesive, fun cultural exchange in summer that fills a special niche in visitor attractions, contributing to the growing excitement on the Whitehorse waterfront with attendant business enhancements for the region. Numerous Yukon visitor and resident surveys indicate a strong interest in First Nations cultural events.  Our YFN 2010 Olympics performances drew large crowds that exceeded the capacity of venues in many instances, demonstrating our ability to attract and entertain large, diverse audiences. We are ready for our next big opportunity – working with all our artists, partners and sponsors to make the Adäka Cultural Festival a huge success in 2011. “Adäka” means “Coming into the light” and we truly believe that this new summer festival is our time to shine!

After 13 months of planning, and 12 successful days of programming during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, the Project Team of YFN 2010 has begun Legacy planning.  With 70 Yukon First Nations directly involved in the Project from all across the Yukon, the opportunities for Yukon First Nations in youth, culture, mentorship and tourism development are tremendous.  Sustainability will be the focus of the teams work, ensuring that the investments and the experiences for the whole team last well beyond 2010.

“From this Project, we intentionally invested in people and product development – to not only present Yukon First Nations to the world, but also to continue the energy and inspiration from the Games for all Yukon First Nations,” said Katie Johnson, Co-Executive Producer of Project YFN 2010.  “The greatest consideration in anything we do moving forward is that it must be guided by the contingent that shared this Olympic experience”.

The first step in Legacy Planning includes a meeting of a smaller and representative group from the full team to begin discussions, present ideas and facilitate next steps planning.  From there, this group or ‘council’ will guide all work moving forward, together with support and input from partners, funders and the larger Yukon community.

Project YFN 2010 included the development of Yukon First Nations people and products to take to the world stage last February in Vancouver.  Over a year of preparation and planning went into the Project and highlights include:

·         Arriving on February 17^th, members of Yukon First Nations 2010 performed in over 15 venues during 6 full days of programming from the Surrey Live Site to Grouse Mountain and the Athletes Village to West Vancouver and more – great partnerships with Yukon Culture @ 2010.

·         The YFN 2010 Art Gallery in the FHFN Artisan Village and Business Showcase was world class with many commenting that they’d walked into a professional gallery as opposed to a trade show retail space.

·         February 21, 2010 was the Yukon First Nations Day in the Aboriginal Pavilion.  Beginning at 9:30, we hosted a full house in the Jack Poole Reception Hall for a Press Conference, followed by a historical welcoming and gift giving ceremony by the Four Host First Nations.   Gifts were exchanged by YFN to the FHFN as well and all our performers entered the Hall drumming and singing – in celebration and song.

·         Each of the 4 shows that day was performed to an ‘over-full’ house with line-ups 2 hours long.

·         The YFN 2010 Project and members of our contingent were introduced to BC based travel media at an invite-only reception in Canada’s North House – thanks to a partnership with Yukon Government’s Tourism & Culture.

·         After the 4^th show, all our performers and artists danced and sang in the sun for the public for about 15 minutes – spectators saying that this was the best thing they have ever seen in 30 years living in Vancouver.

·         Visual Artists set up in the Richmond Ozone from the 23^rd to the 28^th with other Pan North partners, providing a gallery experience and retail opportunity.

·         The Four Host First Nations constantly reminded us that Yukon First Nations have set a high bar in programming, preparedness and world class experiences and were to be recognized and congratulated.

·         Our youth played many diverse roles from backstage performance support, to dress and make up, to support media relations, servicing dignitaries, leaders and sponsors and talking to the public at every moment.  All 8 of our Youth Team participated in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics Opening Ceremonies and two were invited to participate in the Closing Ceremonies as well.

YFN 2010 would like to acknowledge the tremendous partnerships built amongst governments, organizations and the private sector.  Partnership and collaboration were keys to the Projects success.  Thank you to CanNor (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency), the Yukon Government, all Yukon First Nations governments and leadership and the private sector.  For more information on Project sponsors, partners and supporters, go to: http://www.yfn2010.org/about-us/friends/

download this press release

Monday, February 8, 2010
For immediate release

Project YFN 2010 at 10 Days and Counting

Seventy (70) Yukon First Nations visual and performing artists, youth, elders and businesses are on the final countdown to their 2010 adventure. This team from Project YFN 2010, in partnership with the Four Host First Nations, has been training, rehearsing, writing and creating in preparation for two major events. The first is travelling to Vancouver for 7 days of programming during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games with our pinnacle event on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Four Host First Nation Aboriginal Pavilion. The second event is what will take place after the Team returns – legacy planning, marketing and maintaining all the networks, contacts and friendships created over the past 12 months.

The Yukon’s premiere of ‘What the Land Remembers – Tales of Raven and Wolf’ was presented on January 10, 2010 to two sold-out shows at the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon. The evening concluded with standing ovations, a full team celebration and a powerful gift giving ceremony to Artistic Director, Alejandro Ronceria.

Yukon Culture @ 2010 will showcase their production on February 16th at the Yukon Arts Centre and then together, Yukoners will venture south for 7 + days of performances, gallery showings and more.

As the full team gets ready to leave, the Yukon is celebrating the Project and all opportunities for the Team, the Project and legacy opportunities.

Congratulations to all our team and to all our partners and supporters for sharing our vision! More project details, links to photo’s, bio’s and more can be found at www.yfn2010.org.

For more information, contact Patti Balsillie, CAE, Director of Marketing, Sponsorship, Youth & Legacy.

Patti Balsillie, CAE

Director, Marketing, Sponsorship, Legacy and Youth
Yukon First Nations 2010
c: (867)334-2522
e: pattib@northwestel.net
w: www.yfn2010.org

What the Land Remembers – Tales of Raven and Wolf

January 10, 2010

Time: 2PM and 6PM
Location: Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, YT

February 19, 2010

Time: 7PM
Location: Surrey 2010 Celebration Site, Surrey, BC

February 21, 2010

Time: 9AM – 5PM
Location: Four Host First Nations Aboriginal Pavillion, Vancovuer, BC

February 22, 2010

Time: 6PM -11PM
Location: West Vancouver Community Centre Spirit Square, West Vancouver, BC

February 23, 2010

Time: 12PM – 9PM
Location: Richmond O Zone Live Site, Richmond, BC

.

Tickets for the Yukon premier of “What the Land Remembers” can be bought at the Yukon Arts Centre, Arts Underground or at www.yukontickets.com.

‘What the Land Remembers’, sponsored by Air North – Yukon’s Airline , is the YFN 2010 Showcase to premiere in Yukon, matinee and evening show, Sunday, January 10th – www.yukontickets.com or available for sale at Arts Underground and Yukon Arts Centre Box Office.

Air North – Yukon’s Airline joins the Sponsor Team as title sponsor of the Show ‘What the Land Remembers’ – December 17, 2009.

PROJECT INTRODUCED – The Yukon First Nations 2010 Project was introduced Monday in Whitehorse. Left to right: Andy Carvill, Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations, Alejandro Ronceria, the YFN 2010 artistic director, and Katie Johnson and Charlene Alexander, co-executive producers for the show.

The Yukon First Nations 2010 Project will be represented to the world with a Yukon first nations 2010 logo and a world-class production featuring Yukon aboriginal performing artists.

The inspiration behind the project logo started with the vision of an image that could represent Yukon first nations people, unifying each community with a common thread that would also leave a lasting impression to first nations, 2010 participants and the world, organizers told a Whitehorse news conference Monday.

The Raven represents how Raven made the world, bringing light, animals, fish and people to begin and sustain life on Earth. There are many versions and many narrators of these stories, which vary among first nations communities.

The project logo and storyline will integrate the Raven influence into all aspects of YFN 2010.

Under the artistic direction of internationally accomplished Alejandro Ronceria, the performing artists will participate in highly visible venues in the Yukon, in Vancouver, and surrounding communities during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The pinnacle will be the Yukon’s Aboriginal Day in the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion on Feb. 21.

“Using the four seasons as the narrative structure, the show will present the best traditional and contemporary arts and artists of the Yukon, interweaving music, dance,

and storytelling against the landscape of the Yukon; the show will be a powerful visual and sound experience for the world ,” said Ronceria.

A collective of 40 Yukon aboriginal performing artists was selected from nearly 30 applications representing individuals and groups from across the Yukon.

The selection process was led by a team of Yukoners from the cultural industries sector with expertise in music, television, theatre, and live performances.

“Our goal is to develop and present a world class program that will celebrate and showcase Yukon’s diverse and distinctive first nations people, culture and business to the world and create lasting economic, social and cultural benefits for Yukon,” said Katie Johnson, the project’s co-executive producer. Charlene Alexander is the other producer.

Last January, the Council for Yukon First Nations (CYFN) signed a memorandum of intent with British Columbia’s four host first nations, positioning the CYFN to participate in the 2010 Games.

The project components include recruitment and selection, training and orientation, program and artistic development, elders and youth networking and development, participating in the Games and bringing the stories and inspiration back to the territory. “Yukon first nations people have a long and proud history to share with the world,” said CYFN Grand Chief Andy Carvill.

“Our participation in this once-in-a-lifetime event will showcase our people, skills and talents to the world, and more importantly, inspire Yukon first nations in new ways through training, development, networking, sharing of experiences with the rest of Yukon and through legacy plans.”

Here is the performing artists line-up:

• Boyd Benjamin – Gwichin fiddler, Whitehorse

Benjamin is a member of the Vuntut Gwichin First Nation and a recipient of a National Youth Aboriginal Achievement Award. Boyd started fiddling at an early age and has performed at many national and local events showcasing his Gwich’in style of fiddling and jigging.

• Diyet vanLieshout – composer, singer, Burwash Landing

vanLieshout has been making music for 15 years. She studied opera and received her degree in music from the University of Victoria in 1999.

vanLieshout has always been drawn to popular music. Shortly after receiving her degree, she signed a publishing deal, writing for other artists.

She has written songs for individual artists and television productions in Canada, Europe and Japan.

In 2005, she moved back home to her village in the Yukon, where life in a rural first nations community has become the storyboard for her upcoming debut album, Home.

• First People’s Performances/Dakká Kwáan First People’s Performances, Carcross

Dakká Kwáan First People’s Performances began in May2007 and is based in Carcross.

First People’s Performances focuses on bringing their traditional stories into life through dramatization, song, dance, drumming, storytelling and multi-media.

They have performed at festivals and events throughout the Yukon and B.C., including the We yah hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival at the UBC Museum of Anthropology.

• Jerry Alfred’s Shun Dun Band

Alfred, a Pelly Crossing musician, is a member of the Northern Tutchone Crow Clan of the Selkirk First Nation in Yukon.

At birth, he was named Keeper of the Songs. Self-taught, he started playing guitar at an early age, writing hundreds of songs over the years.

In 1996, he won a Juno Award for his album Itsi Shun. He has since toured across Canada and around the world.

•Daniel Tlen, Whitehorse

A singer/songwriter, Tlen has been making music for more than 40 years. He sang the national anthem at the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

The love of music and culture has been his driving force in his life. He performs both traditional and contemporary music which is inspired by his first nations history, knowledge and language.

• Raven Spirit Dance Society

The Vancouver society’s mandate is to create, develop and produce contemporary dance that is rooted in traditional and contemporary aboriginal world view.

By sharing this work on local, national and international stages, the society aims to reaffirm the vital importance of dance to the expression of human experience and to cultural reclamation.

• Sharon Shorty and Duane Gastant Aucoin – Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charlie, Whitehorse

Sharon and Duane emulate the old time elders that they grew up with – feisty, opinionated and funny.

Whether sharing traditional stories or songs or sharing their take on current events and issues, Susie and Charlie are able to make crowds of all ages laugh out loud.

• Ringing Sun Singers, Whitehorse

The Rising Sun Singers, a trio of aboriginal women, are Patti Boss, Lacey Scarff and Viola Papequash.

Their traditional songs of healing, honour and celebration reflect generations of aboriginal warrior women committed to the overall preservation of their culture and traditions.

• Ross River Drummers, Ross River

The Ross River Drummers have travelled internationally to perform their Dene singing and drumming known for its powerful and hypnotizing rhythm.

• Dakwakada Dancers, Haines Junction

Formed in 1992, under the direction and vision of the late Anne Ned and Kathy Kushniruk, the Dakwakada Dancers include 40 dancers of all ages from the Southern Tutchone, Tlingit, Kaska, Tahltan First Nations. T

The dance group has shared their traditional Southern Tutchone songs, stories and dance with audiences from across North America.

• Ta’an Kwach’an Dancers, Whitehorse

The dancers showcase the traditions of the southern Yukon.

The songs and dances have been passed down to the dancers by the elders and have their roots in traditional Southern Tutchone history, culture and language.

More information coming soon!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb 23, 2009

Whitehorse- The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Four Host First Nations (FHFN), and the signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) designed to achieve unprecedented aboriginal partnership in the 2010 winter games. As set out in this document, CYFN will be working together on exciting initiatives including a Games-time Aboriginal Pavilion.

“We are honored to become a contributing partner in the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion. The 2010 Winter Games is an excellent opportunity to bring Yukon First Nations arts, culture, business and tourism industries to the world stage”, Said CYFN Grand Chief, Andy Carvill .

The FHFN are the official hosts of the 2010 Games, which will be held within the traditional and shared traditional territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Centered on a 65-foot high inflated multi-media sphere, known as the Stratosphere, the pavilion will use the latest technology to showcase the diversity of Aboriginal art, business, and culture from across Canada.  Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors will enjoy this experience in the relaxed, informal setting of the Pavilion.
Special “theme” days will showcase Aboriginal groups from all regions of Canada.  Live events will include Inuit throat singing, Métis jigging, hoop dancing, as well as contemporary Aboriginal performances.

The Yukon team coordinating the Yukon First Nations 2010 is led by Yukon’s Katie Johnson and Charlene Alexander.  Their team comprises expertise and skills in product and business development, marketing, training and capacity and creative programming.

This Pavilion will be the Aboriginal gathering place at the biggest potlatch the world has ever seen. It will open in February 2010 and run throughout the Winter Olympic Games.  For more information about the developing Yukon program, contact Katie Johnson. For more information about the FHFN 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion, contact Alex Rose.

Contacts:

Katie Johnson
Phone: (867) 332-5283
Email: tutchone2000@yahoo.com

Alex Rose

Communications Director

Four Host First Nations
Phone: 604-346-7720

Email: agrose@shaw.ca

download PDF version

-

PROJECT UPDATE

September 17, 2009

-

THE CULTURAL CONTINGENT HAS BEEN SELECTED

Over the past several weeks we have worked with the cultural sector to select the performing and visual artists who will travel to Vancouver to participate in the cultural programming during the 2010 Winter Games.  Forty performers (10 groups) and 10 visual artists were selected, representing both traditional and contemporary disciplines and all 8 language groups in the Yukon.   For the performing arts program we have hired internationally acclaimed, Toronto based Alejandro Ronceria to work with the performers over the next four months to create a multidisciplinary performance piece.  The first rehearsal is schedule for September 24 – 28 in Whitehorse.

The Youth and Elder Contingent will be selected in October/November – we will keep you posted.

-

OUR NEW LOGO & WEBSITE

We are very excited to launch our new YFN 2010 logo and brand.  A great deal of consideration has gone into developing a strong image that would resonate with and reflect all Yukon First Nations.  We
selected the raven/crow imagery because all Yukon First Nations have stories and legends about the crow/raven.   In kwaday kwadan (long ago people) times, our grandfathers and grandmothers told us
how Raven made the world, bringing light, animals, fish, and people to begin and sustain life on Earth.  There are many versions and many narrators of these stories, which vary somewhat in different
communities around the Yukon.  The shape of the logo is based on a circle embodying completeness, unity and strength.  The interwoven wings show the harmony of the earth and water and represent the unity of Yukon First Nations.  The red wing symbolizes the earth and mountains and the blue wing symbolizes water.

We are also very busy putting the final touches on the YFN2010 website which we hope to launch by early October.  The site will include profiles of communities, spotlights of people, culture, arts, business and stories to share leading up to the games, it will also include up to date information on the project.

-

YFN2010 NEW HEADQUARTERS

Office
The YFN 2010 Project Team has moved to the new CYFN Building at 2156, 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse. Our office is located in the upper level –just above the reception/administration offices – please stop by and visit us any time – our office hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 4:30pm.

Growing Team
We are very pleased to welcome two new staff members to our team — Melaina Sheldon and Rhoda Merkel.   Melaina is the YFN 2010 Production Assistant and will work closely with the management team in all aspects of planning and production. If you have any questions regarding the project she can be reached at 393-9221 or email at yfn2010@cyfn.net.  Rhoda is our Artist Liaison and will work closely with both the performing and visual Artists as they prepare for 2010.  Rhoda can be reached at 335.1761 or email at rlmerkel@yahoo.ca

CALL FOR YOUTH APPLICATIONS
Only 2 weeks remaining for youth to apply for this exciting opportunity!

-

Call for Youth interested in Leadership Opportunities
The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) is looking for 8 Aboriginal youth to participate in the Yukon First Nations 2010 Youth Leadership Program (YFNYLP) and become ambassadors at Yukon First Nations 2010 (YFN2010) events at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games along with participating in the 2010 Indigenous Youth Gathering hosted by the Four Host Nations (FHFN) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee.

What is the Yukon First Nations Youth Leadership Program (YFNYLP).
Youth selected for this program will have the opportunity to participate in a 5 part leadership program that includes:

• 3 day intensive tourism and host training in Whitehorse
• 2 week Indigenous Youth Gathering  in Vancouver hosted by the Four Host Nations/VANOC – For more information on the Gathering please go to www.2010iyg.com
• Pre-Show Production Mentorship Opportunities
• Serve as YFN2010 ambassador/volunteer during games time from Feb 17- 24, 2010
• Participate in post-event sharing and mentorship opportunities in your community

What are the Benefits of this Program

• Training in leadership, hosting, tourism and interpretation
• A chance to connect  with 300 Aboriginal Youth from across Canada
• A chance to network with Canada’s top athletes / role models
• Once in a lifetime opportunity to meet interesting people from around the globe
• A chance to represent Yukon First Nations on a world stage
• Develop personal and professional skills that will translate into career or personal goals
• A chance to be inspired and the world is pretty much your oyster after that….

Application Requirements:

• Be of Aboriginal ancestry [First Nations (Status, non-Status, Treaty Indian), Inuit, Métis]. Proof of Aboriginal ancestry is required;
• Be aged from 19 to 29 as of July 1, 2009;
• Demonstrate and possess leadership qualities and be recognized within your community as a role model;
• Have experience in a cultural, community performance or leadership capacity (for example, music, drumming, dance, theatre or public speaking), or in competitive sport;
• Be outgoing, physically fit, able to follow instructions and be willing to learn professionally choreographed, rhythmic movement;
• Have access to traditional clothing and/or performance regalia and be willing to wear it at certain Youth Gathering cultural activities;
• Be willing to represent your First Nation/Inuit/Métis group in a public environment and to international audiences;
• Be willing to appear in photographs, video or audio recordings associated with public performances and the marketing, promotion and hosting of the 2010 Winter Games; and
• Be willing to undergo a background check by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for security and accreditation purposes.

Deadline for Applications: Sept 30, 2009, midnight Pacific Time (PT). Please download the application and Terms and Conditions at www.2010iyg.com. We encourage you to apply thought FHFN and or CYFN for this opportunity, if youth require assistance in filling out the FHFN application they can contact:

Melaina Sheldon
Council of Yukon First Nations
2166-2nd Ave, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 4P1
Phone: (867) 393 9221
Fax: (867) 668-6577
Email: yfn2010@cyfn.net

-

OPPORTUNITY FOR YUKON FIRST NATION ARTISTS TO SELL PRODUCT DURING THE GAMES

YFN 2010 is submitting a proposal to the Four Host First Nations (FHFN) to be a part of their Games- Times Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase Program. We are seeking authentic hand crafted YFN arts and craft products to be sold during the 2010 games.

We are also purchasing a variety of small art and craft product to be used for our VIP gift giving program.

If you have any artists who may be interested in participating in these programs, they are invited to attend a registration and information session meeting on Saturday September 26, 2009 from 10am to
3pm at Arts Underground downstairs at the Hogan’s Centre. All Artists are required to bring a sample of work and or any photos of work including any biographical information.

The following list provides examples of the types of authentic Aboriginal products we are interested in:

• carvings
• drums
• paddles
• traditional crafts
• bentwood boxes
• prints
• traditional clothing ( moccasins, hats, gloves, belts etc.)
• plaques
• products specific to your community/culture (excluding food products)

All successful proponents will be required to enter into a service agreement with the FHFN outlining the products agreed upon to be sold along with other requirements as per a standard
service agreement.

They also require Proof of Aboriginal Ancestry: for example, a copy of your status card, Métis card that is reaffirmed by the Métis Nation; Inuit beneficiary card issued by a regional lands claims organization; or legal proof in the form of a registered Band Council Resolution.

If they are unable to attend please have them email us a description, photo of their work including their biographical information to Melaina Sheldon at yfn2010@cyfn.net by September 28, 2009.

-

CONTACT US

If you have any questions related to the project please contact the YFN 2010 Office at (867) 393 9221  or Email at yfn2010@cyfn.net.