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Get ready to celebrate the rich history and diversity of the Yukon on Yukon Heritage Day, this February 23! Believe it or not, this special holiday was officially recognized in 1975 as a way for us to celebrate and honor the unique heritage of the Yukon Territory and its people. From the stunning landscapes that have provided a home and livelihood for generations, to the cultural traditions that continue to be passed down today, there's so much to admire and appreciate about our northern gem. Join us in taking a moment to reflect on Yukon's incredible journey, as we look ahead to its promising future. Let's dive into the beauty, uniqueness and history of the Yukon on this wonderful day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gold Rush Era</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Yukon sees a surge in population and cultural diversity due to the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Yukon Territory Formation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Yukon officially becomes a territory of Canada in June 13, 1898, during the Klondike Gold Rush as miners flooded into the area.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Land Claims Begin</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1973, the Yukon Native Brotherhood submits Together Today For Our Children Tomorrow, laying the groundwork for land claims and self-government agreements.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Yukon Heritage Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Yukon Heritage Day is officially celebrated as a way to honor the unique heritage of the Yukon Territory and its people.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Land Claim Settlement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Umbrella Final Agreement is signed in 1993 marking the first comprehensive land claim settlement in Yukon.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Yukon Heritage Day Evolves</div><div class='timeline-text'>Yukon Heritage Day begins to be celebrated with various cultural events, exhibits and performances showcasing the rich history and unique culture of the territory.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit Yukon Historical Sites</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take a trip to historical sites like the SS Klondike, the Takhini Hot Springs or the Dawson Historical Complex. Walking through these places will surely give you a glimpse of Yukon's rich past.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Experience a Famous Yukon Event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Participate in or spectate famous Yukon events such as the Yukon Quest or the Midnight Sun Music Festival. These events capture the essence of the Yukon spirit, past and present.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Relive Yukon's Gold Rush</h3><p class='facts-text'>Tour the Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park or purchase a gold panning kit to try your luck. This activity brings to life the rich history of the late 1800s rush.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Encounter Native Culture</h3><p class='facts-text'>Visit cultural centres such as the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre or the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre. Acknowledge and absorb the vibrant culture of the indigenous groups of Yukon.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join a Wilderness Adventure</h3><p class='facts-text'>Embark on an exhilarating wilderness adventure like dog sledding or viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, experiencing firsthand the natural beauty that has shaped Yukon throughout history.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of unique history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Yukon Heritage Day provides an opportunity to dive deep into Yukon's rich and unique history. From its diverse native cultures to its significant roles in fur trading and mineral mining, we get to appreciate and understand what shaped Yukon's identity today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's filled with fun-filled cultural activities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The day offers numerous activities like visiting historical sites, experiencing notable Yukon events, witnessing the gold rush era, and exploring native culture. Participating in these activities allows us to feel the spirit of Yukon and fully embrace their heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages appreciation of natural beauty</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Yukon Heritage Day is not just about the people and their history, it also encourages us to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of Yukon. Whether it's dog sledding or viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, it reminds us of how the environment has played a vital role in shaping Yukon's story.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Yukon Heritage Day is not a statutory holiday in Yukon</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although Yukon Heritage Day is celebrated with fervor, it is technically not a statutory holiday. However, many businesses do close in recognition of the day and the importance of honoring Yukon's heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Each year has a different theme</h3><p class='facts-content'>To keep the celebration fresh and relevant, every Yukon Heritage Day revolves around a specific theme. This theme, often a significant aspect of Yukon's culture or history, provides the framework for that year's festivities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The holiday is celebrated with a "Heritage Fair"</h3><p class='facts-content'>An essential component of Yukon Heritage Day is the Heritage Fair. This event features exhibits, presentations, and performances that showcase different aspects of Yukon's culture and history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Yukon's Heritage Resources Unit plays a vital role</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Heritage Resources Unit in Yukon works tirelessly to identify, conserve, and interpret Yukon's historic sites, giving life to Yukon Heritage Day through their extensive work.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The holiday has its own award: The Yukon Heritage Awards</h3><p class='facts-content'>In conjunction with Yukon Heritage Day, Yeoman Service Awards and Heritage Awards are given to individuals, organizations and businesses who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of heritage in Yukon.</p></div></div>
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