Champagne and Aishihik First Nations facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Enrolled members | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Canada Yukon |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Southern Tutchone (endangered) | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (incl. syncretistic forms) | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Coastal Northwest tribes |
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) is a group of Indigenous people in the Yukon, Canada. They are a band government, which means they have their own local government. Their traditional homes were in areas called Champagne and Aishihik. The people from Champagne were known as the Kwächä̀l kwächʼǟn. The people from Aishihik were called the Äshèyi kwächʼǟn.
Today, many members live in Haines Junction. This town offers services like schools. The main offices for the First Nation government are also there. Some members also live in Whitehorse, where the First Nation has other offices. The original language spoken by these people is Southern Tutchone.
In 1992, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations made history. They were one of the first four First Nations to sign a land claims agreement. This agreement helps define their rights to land and resources. They are also working on a land claim in British Columbia, in an area they traditionally used.
Contents
History of the Champagne and Aishihik People
The Discovery of Kwäday Dän Ts'ìnchi
In 1999, something amazing was found in Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in British Columbia. Hunters discovered the preserved body of a man in a glacier. Scientists used a method called Radiocarbon dating to find out how old he was. They learned he lived between 300 and 550 years ago.
Before telling the world, researchers contacted the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Their representatives visited the site. They named the man Kwäday Dän Ts'ìnchi, which means "Long Ago Man Found" in their language.
Connecting Past and Present Through DNA
The First Nations agreed to let scientists study the man's DNA. In 2007, a special type of DNA test was done. This test looked at mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down from mothers to their children.
Scientists tested 241 volunteers from the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. They found 17 living people who were related to Kwäday Dän Ts'ìnchi. These people were direct descendants through their mothers' side of the family. Sheila Clark and Pearl Callaghan, two sisters, were among them. Clark said it was "extremely moving" to learn about this connection.
Clan Connections and Burial
Most of the 17 related individuals belong to the Wolf clan. This suggests that Kwäday Dän Ts'ìnchi might have also been part of the Wolf clan. In their matrilineal system, children belong to their mother's clan. Family lines are traced through the mother.
The related individuals lived in different areas. Some were from coastal regions, and others lived inland. This shows how the First Nations historically used both types of land. After the scientific tests, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations held a ceremony. They cremated the man's remains and buried them near where he was found.
Population and Community Life
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations have a vibrant community. In 2021, the area of Champagne Landing 10 had a population of 22 people. These people lived in 17 homes. This was a small increase from their population in 2016. The land area of Champagne Landing 10 is about 4.82 square kilometers.
