2019 Adäka Cultural Festival Wraps Up in Whitehorse

Friday, 5 July 2019 16:13

Martina Amos performing at the 2019 Adäka Cultural Festival

The 2019 Adäka Cultural Festival has officially wrapped up in Whitehorse at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Here are some of the highlights.

Adäka Cultural Festival Director of Arts Katie Johnson and Yukon First Nation Culture & Tourism Association Executive Director Charlene Alexander say the 2019 festival that took place from June 28th thru to July 4th in Whitehorse at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre was a success.

The five-day event was packed with Yukon First Nation events, with performances by the Dakwakada Dancers and Southern Tutchone language lessons with Luke Campbell as just some of the highlights.

Johnson says this years event was buzzing with excitement.

"I think it was out best one yet. Every year gets better, however this year I just felt the event was fantastic. Overall, there was an increased number of people and artists really engaging with each other and learning new things. The tents were just buzzing with creativity."

The Adäka Cultural Festival originally started out when Yukon First Nations showcased their art and culture during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Alexander says it takes many people to get the festival going each year.

"At Yukon First Nation Culture & Tourism Association (YFNCTA) we have a staff of six. However, we do many other things besides the Adäka Cultural Festival. As the festival gets closer, we start hiring students. That brings us to a team of 20 for the festival."

The YFNCTA partners up with the Adäka Cultural Festival team members as well leading up to the event to make it all happen.

Artists for the Northwest Territories, Alaska, Nunavut and Quebec all attended parts of the 2019 Adäka Cultural Festival this year.

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