Regalia workshop for special traditional occasions holds in Whitehorse

Wednesday, 1 May 2024 16:57

Richard Smith Cordinator Regalia Creation Workshop in Whitehorse (Photo by Panebi Wilson)

The regalia are often used by First Nations Citizens for special traditional occasions.

The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Language and cultural programs department is hosting a three-day regalia fabrication workshop in Whitehorse.

The regalia workshop initiative by Richard Smith began about twelve years ago to provide traditional regalia making knowledge to graduating Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizens.

With support from the CAFN, the regalia workshops and classes are held from January to June every year in Haines Junction and in Whitehorse to teaches participants their traditional art form and to enable them create their own desired regalia for their ceremony at the end of the training.

Speaking with Chon FM, the coordinator of the workshop Richard Smith said the regalia are often used by First Nations Citizens for special traditional occasions and that people usually put their clan symbols so it identifies the clans they belong.

Smith said this project was born out of his desire to share with the people traditional knowledge which the elders who have passed, retained.

According to Smith, there are presently about eight participants attending the Whitehorse training holding at the CAFN Boardroom in the Yukon Plaza and will continue until May 7. Since the inception of this program, over seventy participants have been trained.

The workshop will run in Whitehorse from Monday April 29 – Tuesday May 7. Participation is open for free to all Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizens.

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