Voices from the Wind River

Written by Paula Gomez Villalba | February 17, 2025

On a cool November afternoon, our team in town printed the last few posters and put the finishing touches on the Yukon Arts Centre lobby, which included dumping ice and drinks into a canoe. Organized by CPAWS Yukon in partnership with the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED) and First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND), the night would shine a light on youth river trips and help raise funds for future community trips.

In the lobby, photos from past trips and maps of land planning in the Yukon lined the walls, and tables showcased handmade art and merch to be auctioned off as part of our fundraiser. It was a packed house with around 250 people gathering for the Whitehorse premiere of “Connections,” followed by a conversation with participants and musical performances.

Map of Yukon Planning Regions sits in front of a table where our outreach manager (Joti) speaks to a few people about conservation while holding up a CPAWS flyer. Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council traditional territory, photo by Stephanie Woods.
Row of tables showcases auction fundraiser items, including several landscape photography prints. Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council traditional territory, photo by Chris Pinkerton.

Before the film screening, an opening prayer and speeches from leaders in the community set the stage. Bill Bennet, Team Lead of the Mobile Therapeutic Unit at YFNED, spoke about bringing youth back to the land and stories from Mayo. Our Executive Director, Chris Pinkerton, shared words about responsibility—to land, water, and each other. FNNND Chief Dawna Hope shared:

“When the youth go out and they make the connections to the land, they come back and they’re understanding of the importance of the principles of water and land and have a connection to it — that’s what’s important to us. They come back and they are defenders.”

— FNNND Chief Dawna Hope
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Chief Dawna Hope speaks behind a podium at Voices from the Wind River. Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council traditional territory.

The short film “Connections” highlighted the journey down the Wind River in the Peel Watershed, and how we got here. Decades after Peel nations came together to bring forward their vision for the land, future generations are experiencing the deep learning and connection that comes from traveling through those lands and waters. In connecting with their traditional territories, many youth gain valuable tools, become leaders in their communities, and steward the lands and waters that have been cared for by their ancestors. These stories and the event as a whole reflected our shared commitment to supporting First Nations’ goals and safeguarding the Peel and other wild spaces for future generations. 

During breaks, our team highlighted opportunities for the community to take action—not just for conservation, but for standing up for the values that matter. We spoke about the importance of protecting lands and waters, defending past decisions that put people and ecosystems first, and ensuring that commitments to conservation are upheld. This included an upcoming Protect the Peel rally, where hundreds gathered across the Yukon and NWT in a powerful show of unity.

People march outside in Dawson, YT at the Protect the Peel rally, holding signs and banners with messages like "Off the Peel.” Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in traditional territory, photo by Sharon Vittrekwa.
Dawson, YT (photo by Sharon Vittrekwa)
Close-up of a bright pink sign at the rally in Whitehorse that reads, "Together for the Peel Again" with a hand-drawn heart. Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council traditional territory, photo by Adil Darvesh.
Whitehorse, YT (photo by Adil Darvesh)
Gathered youth and community members for the Peel smile inside Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic, NWT. Gwichya Gwich'in First Nation traditional territory, photo by Fredrick-Sonny Blake.
Tsiigehtchic, NWT (photo by Fredrick Sonny Blake)
Fifty people stand in front of the Yukon Courts at the Whitehorse Peel Rally. Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council traditional territory, photo by Adil Darvesh.
Whitehorse, YT (photo by Adil Darvesh)
People hold signs advocating for the Peel in Fort McPherson, NWT at sunset, including two large ones that read “This is our land, this is our water, and that’s where we were raised from” and “Protect the Peel for everything that lives on the land.” Teetl'it Gwich'in traditional territory, photo by Laura Nerysoo.
Fort McPherson, NWT (photo by Laura Nerysoo)
Group in Mayo, YT holds up colourful signs above their heads, some including children’s drawings, calling for protecting the Peel. First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun traditional territory, photo by Erin Holm.
Mayo, YT (photo by Erin Holm)

After the film screening, participants reconnected to share their experiences navigating wildfires, watching wildlife for hours, finding strength, and embracing ceremony. The youth who joined us on stage showed incredible courage in front of a large audience. For most, this was their first time sharing stories in such a public way, and their strength was truly inspiring. Check out the blog that spotlights what they shared here.

Snapshots of trip participants speaking and sharing stories at Voices from the Wind River, overlaid on a photo of the braiding river during the trip. From left to right: Joti Overduin, Kadrienne Hummel, Chantel Blysak, Lucien Trudeau, Joel Luet, Bethany Paquette, Shalaya Boss-Blackjack, Jona Barr, and Ashwin Freyne.

Their stories set the tone for the rest of the evening, where music became another way to explore the deep connections between people, land, and water. Keitha Clark and Graeme Poile performed on their fiddle and guitar, and Keitha shared that many “tunes were really composed to explore how art and landscape intersect and how the landscape really inspires us as artists in the Yukon.”

When introducing the Mayo drumming group Remmi Elin, our wonderful MC Adil Darvesh (CPAWS Yukon Communications Manager) shared a special moment from a river trip on the Tsé Tagé (Beaver River) Watershed back in 2020:

“On the last day we were paddling into Mayo I was pretty tired, my shoulder really hurt, my arms were pretty fatigued, and every time we turned a corner that I thought that was going to be the last corner, it wasn’t, and there was another corner. 

Eventually I heard in the faint distance a ‘boom.’ At first I thought it was a beaver or something that fell in the water but we noticed it was repeating, ‘boom, boom, boom.’ 

The energy amongst all of our paddlers kind of perked up and everyone knew we’re close to home and it was really exciting. I have to say the fatigue disappeared right away, you just kind of followed that rhythm and adrenaline and the energy just took over.”

— Adil Darvesh

Remmi Elin has supported many youth river trips co-organized by CPAWS Yukon, being there to send youth off on the journey or welcome them home. Each song performed at Voices from the Wind River was preceded with an introduction about its meaning—water, women, justice, and more. You can hear the song described below at 2:54:50 in our event recording.

“Water is life, it is vital for our survival. Our culture, traditions and way of life are deeply intertwined with the health of our waters and the integrity of our watersheds. We will sing this song in four rounds, each one representing the four nations: north, east, south, and west. This approach symbolizes the unity of all people and the interconnectedness of all life bound together by the sacredness of water. The song begins softly like a gentle creek then grows in strength as the water moves from creek bed to river and onward to the ocean. As we join in song, let us also join in purpose to honour and protect the lifegiving waters that connect and sustain us all”

Graeme Poile and Keitha Clark perform on stage, Graeme strums an acoustic guitar and Keitha smiles while playing a fiddle.
Members of Remmi Elin drum and sing on stage, each holding hand drums and wearing matching blue patterned scarves.

In total, you helped us raise just over $9,500 through the live event and our featured auction. We are incredibly grateful to those that purchased tickets, directly donated, and helped spread the word. A lot of moving parts came together for this night of community, and everyone contributed in significant ways.

If you weren’t able to join us, check out a recording of the event below, made possible by Mark Penner at Solid Sound (solidsound.ca). You can support youth, community, and the future of the Yukon’s wild spaces by donating to CPAWS Yukon.

Original Event Details

  • Thursday, November 14th, 2024
  • Venue: Yukon Arts Centre
  • Doors open at 5:00 PM | Film screening begins at 6:00 PM
  • Musical performances by Remmi Elin, and Keitha Clarke with Graeme Poile.
  • Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and children 12 and under. Available at purchasing.yukonartscentre.com.

Voices from the Wind River will feature the Whitehorse premiere of “Connections,” a short film by Bethany Paquette that follows youth on a journey through the Wind River. Leaders from the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate, CPAWS Yukon, and participants from the trip will all be there to speak after the film.

Enjoy incredible footage of the journey down the Wind River, a live performance from Mayo drum group Remmi Elin, and learn about Northern Tutchone land and water initiatives, and First Nation Education in the Yukon. Take action and help raise funds for future on-the-land trips with First Nations youth by bidding on unique items available on our online auction, which will run from November 1st to 30th. Your contributions directly support the next generation’s connection to the land and water.

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Proceeds from the event go directly toward future on-the-land trips with Yukon First Nations youth, helping to support programs to bring community members on backcountry trips.

This event is organized by CPAWS Yukon in partnership with the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED) and First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND).

About the Auction

CPAWS Yukon’s online auction runs from November 1st to 30th and features handmade items, beautiful art, merch from local businesses, and more. Help us raise funds for future river trips for Yukon First Nations youth by bidding! These canoe trips provide a powerful way to connect community members with their traditional territories and share the stories of the land and its people.

Auction items were donated by local businesses or individuals. We are so grateful for support from: 

Air North – Arctic Media Creation/Atsushi Sugimoto Photography – Baked Café – Barb Buyck – Bostan Skrlj – Bullet Hole Bagels – Coast Mountain Sports – Cultured Fine Cheese – Hinterland Flour Mill – Icycle Sports – Karen Nicloux – Lumel Studios – Misha Donohoe – Murdoch’s Gem Shop – Peter Mather Photography – Robert Postma Photography – Sharon Vittrekwa – Sky High Wilderness Ranch – Triniti Technology – Whitehorse Nordic Centre – Winterlong Brewing Co. – Yukon First Nation Education Directorate – Yukon Film Society – Yukon Hiking – Yukon Wildlife Preserve

Poster for Voices from the Wind River event, featuring landscape photo of the Wind and surrounding mountains and a drone shot of 6 canoes arranged in a star in the middle of the water. Overlaid with organizer logos and event details. First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun traditional territory, photos by Bethany Paquette.