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Yukon 125th anniversary medals unveiled to celebrate outstanding Yukoners

Thursday, 18 January 2024 13:51

By Panebi Wilson @panebiwilson

Premier Ranj Pillai and Violet Gatensby at the Yukon 125th anniversary medals unveiling. (Photo by Panebi Wilson)

Yukon artist Violet Gatensby said the inspiration for the design was born out of her growing up memories.

The Government of Yukon is commemorating the territory’s 125th anniversary with the release of medals featuring original artwork by Violet Gatensby.

Premier Ranj Pillai on Tuesday announced that the medals will be awarded to Yukoners from all walks of life, and a variety of sectors, including public service, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, arts and environmental stewardship, who embody values of leadership and reconciliation.
According to the Premier, of the total 250 medals, 125 medals will be given to Yukon First Nations leadership to distribute at their discretion. A further 125 medals will be distributed based on input from Cabinet, the leaders of the Official Opposition and Third Party, the Commissioner and members of the public.

Speaking about the medal design,Yukon artist Violet Gatensby said the inspiration for the design was born out of her growing up memories. The figure has open eyes, eager to learn and looking forward, while the outstretched open hand represents our work towards reconciliation in the past and for generations to come. The fir boughs are intended as a symbol of peace and wellbeing, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to ward against illness she said. Yukon 125 anniversary medals

Carcross Tagish First Nation artist Violet Gatensby, said she is proud to have contributed artwork for the medal celebrating the Yukon’s 125th anniversary. She said her design, Resilient Hearts/Insightful Vision, is intended to honour the Yukoners who have brought insight in approaching the future and have rolled up their sleeves to put the hard work in, helping people heal while remembering who we are.

Violet presented the medal design to Yukon First Nations leadership during the Yukon Forum held in Dawson between September 26 to 27, 2023.
The Yukon’s anniversary is being commemorated from June 13, 2023 – 125 years from when the territory joined Confederation to June 13, 2024, rather than the calendar year of 2023.

The public can download a nomination form at yukon.ca/125 and submit it to yukon125@yukon.ca by March 11, 2024, to nominate a deserving Yukoner.
Award recipients will be announced later this year.

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