River of Names to Travel to Yukon Legislature

On March 21, CPAWS-Yukon will visualize the increasing flow of support for Peel protection with a thirty-two metre River of Names banner. Bearing the names of the more than 7,500 individuals who contributed to the final round of public consultations on the Peel, the banner will make its way from downtown Whitehorse to the Legislative Assembly on 2nd Avenue.

“We wanted to create a powerful visual of how extensive the support for the final recommended plan truly is,” said CPAWS-Yukon executive director Gill Cracknell. “It will also reinforce our message to Yukon government to please listen to the people on this issue.”

The visual will coincide with the start of the new legislative session.  CPAWS-Yukon has invited the leaders of all Yukon’s political parties to meet outside of the legislature at 11:45 am to accept the list of names and bring it into the house.  To date, NDP leader Elizabeth Hanson and Yukon Liberal leader Sandy Silver have confirmed their attendance.

“The timing is particularly relevant as it falls during Canada Water Week, which I understand Currie Dixon, Minister of the Environment, has planned a tribute for in the house on Thursday,” said Cracknell.  Canada Water Week is the official week designated to celebrate water across the nation. The aim of this year’s theme, “I Love My Water Body,” is to build and strengthen the shared love of water in Canada’s communities.

The public is encouraged to join the River of Names march on March 21st.  The silent procession will leave the Old Fire Hall at 11:30 am, travel up Main Street to 2nd Avenue, and then travel down 2nd Avenue to the Yukon Legislature, arriving at 11:45 am. 

“We are encouraging people to bring signs that read: I am one of the 7500+,” said Cracknell. “It’s a great chance for Yukoners to show that despite the final consultation process closing almost a month ago, they are still passionate and concerned about this issue, and that they are anticipating the government’s acknowledgement of, and action on, those concerns.”

For more information contact:

Gill Cracknell
Executive Director
CPAWS-Yukon
332-8079