Kwanlin Dün First Nation facts for kids
| People | Southern Tutchone, Tagish, Tlingit |
|---|---|
| Territory | Yukon |
| Population (2022) | |
| On reserve | 6 |
| On other land | 590 |
| Off reserve | 428 |
| Total population | 1024 |
| Government | |
| Chief | Doris Bill |
| Website | |
| http://www.kwanlindun.com/ | |
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) is a large Indigenous community in Yukon, Canada. They live in and around the city of Whitehorse. Their traditional name, Kwänlin Dän kwächʼǟn, means "Whitehorse People."
This First Nation is the biggest in Yukon. Its members come from different Indigenous groups. These include the Southern Tutchone, Tagish (also called Tagish Ḵwáan), and Tlingit peoples.
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Where the Kwanlin Dün Live
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation has a large traditional territory. This land stretches along the Yukon River. It goes from Marsh Lake to Lake Laberge.
The Yukon River has special names in their languages. In Southern Tutchone, it's Tágà Shäw. In Tagish, it's Tahgàh Cho. Both names mean "big river."
What Their Name Means
The name "Kwanlin Dün" tells us about their connection to the land. "Kwanlin" is a Southern Tutchone word. It means "running water through canyon." This refers to a part of the Yukon River. This section is near Miles Canyon Basalts and the White Horse Rapids.
The word "Dän" or "Dün" means "people." So, "Kwanlin Dün" means "people of the running water through the canyon." This name shows where their ancestors lived.
How the Kwanlin Dün Govern Themselves
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation has its own government. They signed an important agreement on February 19, 2005. This agreement is called a land claims and self-government agreement.
Land and Self-Government
Through this agreement, the KDFN received 1042 square kilometers of land. This land is called Settlement Land. It is within their traditional territory. More than 30 square kilometers of this land are inside the city of Whitehorse.
Being self-governing means the KDFN can make their own laws. They have their own constitution. This is like a rulebook for their government.
Leaders of the First Nation
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation elects its own leaders. The main leader is called the Chief. Doris Bill was elected as the Chief in March 2014. She took over from Rick O'Brien.
The First Nation also has a Council. These are people who help the Chief lead the community. In 2014-2015, the Council members included Jessie Dawson, Judy Gingell, Charlene Charlie, Sean Smith, Alicia Vance, Howard MacIntosh, and Dennis Calbery. Tayler Vallevand-Vance was the Youth Council representative.
Community Programs and Culture
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation is proud of its culture. They helped build a special place called the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. This center is on the banks of the Yukon River. It is located in downtown Whitehorse.
The Cultural Centre officially opened in June 2012. It is a place for the community to gather. It also helps share their history and traditions.
Youth For Lateral Kindness
