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The Yukon Heritage Resources Board (YHRB) has had a busy year, with Board members and staff participating in a wide variety of heritage community and public activities. Spring of 2011 highlights included the YHMA Symposium Uniting Historical Fronts, as well as the associated half-day workshop to discuss the goals and implementation of Yukon Government's Museums Strategy.

May started off with the Yukon Territorial Heritage Fair, which once again brought a group of dynamic young participants to Whitehorse. YHRB members assisted with judging and the day's activities, and continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm of the fair program students and the quality and diversity of their projects. The Board looks forward to participating in the 2012 Heritage Fair.

YHRB hosted a table at the International Gold Show in Dawson City over the May long weekend, and a representative of the Board's Executive Committee gave an informational public "Lightening Talk" on the Board's mandate and activities. The Gold Show was an invaluable opportunity for outreach to and networking with members of the public and representatives of the heritage community, industry, and other Yukon Boards, and the Board anticipates attending again in 2012.

YHRB members were on hand to greet and speak with the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers of Culture at the opening reception for their July meeting in Whitehorse. Board members attended many of the performances, workshops, artist demonstrations, and events of the ten-day Adäka Cultural Festival, and look forward its return in future years. July wrapped up with the Hà Kus Teyea Celebration in Teslin, and two YHRB members took part in a variety of interesting and inspiring activities over the course of the event.

A summer highlight for the Board was attending the official ceremony for designation of Ft. Selkirk as a Yukon Historic Site, a designation that was made in 2010. The ceremony was a full and fascinating day dedicated to recognising the unique history, ongoing work, broad vision, land claims implementation efforts, and successful co-management the site represents; the Board is honoured to have been involved in both the designation process and the ceremony.

The Board hosted a Heritage After Hours/open house event at its office in Whitehorse in September, in conjunction with national Culture Days. The event was a great opportunity to meet members of the public, heritage, and UFA Boards and Committees communities, and to open Taylor House historic site to the public.
During its November meeting, the Board considered applications for the 2011 intake to the Yukon Historic Resources Fund (YHRF) and forwarded funding recommendations to Minister Mike Nixon. This year, $17,850 was made available for these projects through interest generated by the fund and supplemental support from the Government of Yukon's Department of Tourism and Culture. Minister Nixon approved the Board's recommendations to fund the following projects through the YHRF:
Association of Professional Engineers of Yukon: History of Engineering in the Yukon
Ta'an Kwäch'än Council : Southern Tutchone Traditional Storybook, by Elder Hazel Bunbury (Nakhela)
The Whitehorse History Book Society: The Whitehorse History Book Project

In November of 2011, YHRB completed a new strategic plan that will guide the Board's priorities and activities for the next five years. The Board continues to serve in observer role on the Chapter 13 Heritage Manual Drafting Committee and in an ex-officio capacity on the territorial Museums Advisory Committee. The Board responds to requests for input and information from all Parties to the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements. YHRB receives regular updates on the activities of Yukon Government's Cultural Services Branch and submits input as requested. In the coming year, the Board looks forward to continued participation in the heritage community, engagement with the UFA Parties, and continued training related to its mandate.

The YHRB office is located in the historic Taylor House at 412 Main Street in Whitehorse. We can also be reached by phone at 668-7150 or by email.

The board in Old Crow