Board Meetings

A few highlights from YHRB

The Yukon Heritage Resources Board held its 2009 spring meeting in Dawson City on May 14th. In addition to addressing regular Board business, the Board received an update on activities of the Cultural Services Branch and other heritage issues from CSB Director Rick Lemaire. The meeting was held in conjunction with the International Gold Show in Dawson. Tabling at the event was an opportunity for outreach to members of the public, as well as networking with representatives of the heritage community, industry, and other Yukon Boards. While in Dawson, Board members and staff were treated to tours and interpretive programming at the Dawson City Museum and the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre, as well as a Parks Canada historic walking tour. The Board met with City of Dawson staff to learn more about the city’s heritage planning efforts. YHRB hosted a public reception during the visit to Dawson, inviting members of the public to meet Board members and share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas about heritage issues in the Yukon.

Members represented the Board at several events this spring, including the Kwädąy Dän Ts’ìnchį Winter Event hosted by Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Yukon First Nations Language Revitalization & Promotion Conference hosted by the Council of Yukon First Nations. Board members also participated in workshops in support of the New Sites Initiative, part of an effort to identify potential candidates for heritage designation from among women, First Nations, and ethno-cultural communities in the Yukon. Board members and staff assisted with the Golden Horn School Heritage Fair on April 8th and the territorial Historica Fair on May 7th. Student participants in both fairs came with a very wide range of well-researched projects, impressing judges and members of the public alike. Board members also took part in the YHMA Yukon Heritage Awards ceremony in May.
YHRB continues to solicit input on its Draft Rules of Procedure for Determining Ownership of Heritage Resources under Chapter 13 of Yukon First Nation Final Agreements. The Board provides the Parties with regular updates on the rules development process and opportunities for comment.

The Board’s next meeting will take place in Whitehorse on September 18 and 19, 2009. YHRB welcomes comments from the heritage community and public on any of its activities. 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.