On Air Now CHON Overnight 9:00pm - Midnight

Now Playing Overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

Kwanlin Dün First Nation drum maker Doronn Fox made drums for Elders in long term care

Thursday, 9 September 2021 10:41

By Dylan MacNeil

Dorran Fox unpacks drums at Whistle Bend Place in Whitehorse.

Fox says delivering the drums was exhausting, but in a good way.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation drum maker Doronn Fox spent yesterday afternoon delivering drums to long term care homes in Whitehorse. Each facility got three ceremonial drums and three handgame drums. Fox says when he was asked by a friend who works at Copper Ridge place to make the drums for Elders, he offered to do the work for free, but the long-term care facilities insisted on paying him.

Each of Whitehorse’s three long-term care homes held a reception ceremony to accept the drums. Fox says the day was tiring, but in a good way. He also says it was personal, he has family at Copper Ridge Place.

“When I was up at the Copper Ridge Place, it was exhausting, because I got there and I was all happy go lucky and good, and then probably about 15, 20 minutes in, I started feeling heavy, because it reminded me of some of my Elders that taught me a lot in my life, “says Fox.

“You can feel the energy there, and it’s not that it’s a negative thing, it’s just that you feel it, and I have to go deal with it myself. I’ve got to do some ceremony and work it out and I’m at a sensitive place right now, providing these things for people that I love.”

The drums were left blank so that residents can decorate them and make them fancy by adding beads and feathers.

Fox says he hopes Elders will pick up the drum when they are feeling emotional and use them to connect to themselves, talk to their ancestors, and feel closer to home.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election
Selkirk First Nation announces election results

Jeremy Harper was acclaimed as Chief and Rena Simon as Youth Councillor, effective February 10, 2026.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall

The federal government's First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) funding will end on March 31, 2026.
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal

Repealing the Act without consultation ignores this partnership and undermines progress made