Yukon 125 commemorative medals
On January 16, 2024, Yukon Premier Pillai announced that the Government of Yukon would be commemorating the territory’s 125th anniversary with the release of medals featuring original artwork by Violet Gatensby of Carcross.
The medals would be awarded to Yukoners who embody values of leadership and reconciliation. This would include people from all walks of life and a variety of sectors, including public service, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, arts and environmental stewardship. Of the total 250 medals, 125 medals were given to Yukon First Nations leadership to distribute at their discretion. A further 125 medals were distributed based on input from Cabinet, the leaders of the Official Opposition and Third Party, the Commissioner and members of the public. The medals are being distributed based on guidance from an advisory committee, composed of Jim Butler, Victoria Fred and Deputy Ministers Justin Ferbey and Sierra van der Meer.
The artist said of her work: “I am proud to have contributed artwork for this medal celebrating the Yukon’s 125th anniversary. My 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. 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.”
The Yukon’s anniversary was commemorated from June 13, 2023 – 125 years from when the territory joined Confederation – to June 13, 2024, rather than the calendar year of 2023.
On January 17, The Whitehorse Star published an article about the medal program, with the following photo by Vince Fedoroff, showing Premier Ranj Pillai and artist Violet Gatensby with the medals in their presentation cases.
On August 26, I received a letter in the mail from Currie Dixon, Leader of the Yukon Party, letting me know that I was one of ten people chosen by the party to receive one of the medals. This morning, my MLA, Scott Kent, brought my medal to my home, and shot the next photo.
And to close, here are three photos of the medal and presentation case, that I shot this afternoon.
Congratulations to the other 249 recipients of the Yukon 125 commemorative medals – each making the Yukon even better, in their own unique ways.
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I think you mentioned that award before (or if you got a different recognition, this is even more merry) … but a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to you… your touch is in so many pages have to do with travel and exploration, history of the North Country… Impressed to sort of know you!
Congratulations Murray, much deserved!
Thank you, Patsy 🙂
Congratulations Murrster , well deserved and you are definitely worthy , Big 10-4 🇨🇦
Thank you, Paul 🙂