Arctic Hearth
Yukon First Nations elder sharing stories around a campfire, surrounded by a group of respectful visitors
Yukon First Nations elder sharing traditional stories

Authentic Indigenous Cultural Connections

Experience authentic Indigenous culture through respectful partnerships that honor tradition while supporting community prosperity. Arctic Hearth is committed to fostering meaningful connections with Northern peoples, ensuring cultural authenticity, and providing direct benefits to Indigenous communities.

Book Cultural Experience

We partner directly with 8 Indigenous communities across Yukon, working with cultural guides who are community members and traditional knowledge keepers. Revenue sharing agreements directly support community economic benefit, and all experiences are approved and led by community elders and cultural leaders.

Our Indigenous Community Partners

Arctic Hearth is honored to collaborate with several vibrant Indigenous communities in Yukon, each sharing their unique heritage and traditions. Our partnerships are built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared vision for cultural preservation and community well-being.

Traditional Tlingit totem poles in the historic village of Carcross, Yukon
Tlingit totem poles in Carcross

Carcross/Tagish First Nation

Located in the southern Yukon, the Carcross/Tagish First Nation is renowned for its rich Tlingit and Tagish heritage. Our partnership supports their cultural centre, traditional arts workshops, and guided heritage walks through their ancestral lands, fostering a deeper understanding of their history and vibrant present.

  • Traditional Territory: Southern Lakes Region
  • Focus: Traditional Tlingit arts, storytelling, guided walks
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in elder demonstrating hide-tanning beside the Yukon River
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in elder demonstrating hide-tanning

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation

Based in Dawson City, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in are the original caretakers of the Klondike region. Our collaborations highlight their traditional land-based skills, cultural workshops, and the deep historical significance of their territory, offering guests rare insights into their enduring heritage.

  • Traditional Territory: Klondike Region, Yukon River
  • Focus: Land-based knowledge, traditional crafts, cultural interpretation
Kwanlin Dün drummer performing 'honour song' during a community gathering
Kwanlin Dün drummer

Kwanlin Dün First Nation

The Kwanlin Dün First Nation, with their deep roots in the Whitehorse area, are pivotal to our cultural programming. Through joint initiatives, we offer experiences focused on their vibrant drumming traditions, plant medicine knowledge, and contemporary Indigenous arts, enriching visitors' understanding.

  • Traditional Territory: Whitehorse and surrounding areas
  • Focus: Drumming, plant medicine, contemporary arts

Our commitment to these partnerships includes revenue-sharing agreements that directly benefit these communities, supporting cultural programs, youth initiatives, and economic development projects. We believe in strengthening Indigenous self-determination through respectful tourism. For more detailed information on specific communities or to review territorial maps, please contact us.

Diverse Cultural Learning Opportunities

Dive into the heart of Northern Indigenous culture with experiences designed to educate, inspire, and connect. From ancient stories to hands-on traditional skills, our workshops and sessions offer profound insights into the Yukon's living heritage.

Indigenous elder captivating an audience with traditional storytelling, fireside setting
Indigenous elder storytelling

Traditional Storytelling Sessions

Gather around to listen to captivating narratives from community elders and knowledge keepers. These sessions offer a unique window into the worldview, history, and wisdom passed down through generations of Yukon First Nations peoples.

Hands meticulously working on traditional Indigenous beadwork
Hands doing traditional beadwork

Hands-on Craft Workshops

Learn traditional skills directly from Indigenous artisans. Participate in workshops covering beadwork, moose hide tanning, traditional tool making, or the intricate art of weaving, taking home not just a craft, but a story.

Group sharing a traditional meal of bannock and local berries, outdoors
Sharing traditional Indigenous food

Traditional Food Preparation & Sharing

Experience the tastes of the North through traditional food preparation demonstrations and shared meals. Learn about sustainable harvesting, ancestral recipes, and the cultural significance of food in Indigenous communities.

Group learning traditional plant identification from an Indigenous guide in a boreal forest
Land-based learning with Indigenous guide

Land-based Learning Expeditions

Join Indigenous guides on the land to learn about traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering techniques. Understand the profound connection between the people and their environment, gaining respect for the land's bounty and its stewardship.

Two individuals engaged in an Indigenous language learning session, possibly with a whiteboard or visual aids
Indigenous language learning session

Language & Cultural Protocol Education

Engage in introductory language lessons and gain a deeper understanding of cultural protocols. These sessions prepare you for respectful interaction and enhance your appreciation for the nuances of Indigenous traditions.

Cultural Respect and Protocols

Our most fundamental principle at Arctic Hearth is respect. Engaging with Indigenous cultures is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to honor protocols and traditions. We provide comprehensive guidance to ensure your visit is meaningful for all.

  • Photography & Recording Permissions

    Always ask for explicit permission before taking photographs or recording videos of individuals, ceremonies, or specific sites. Respect

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