Yukon College Raises Flags of Kwanlin Dun and Ta'an Kwach'an Council

College wants to recognize it is on the traditional territories of both First Nations.

Yukon College in Whitehorse raised the flags of both the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and Ta’an Kwach’an Council at a ceremony Friday.

The College says it will permanently fly both flags at the campus as part of their ongoing effort to acknowledge and celebrate the institution’s location on the traditional territory of both First Nations.

Kwanlin Dun Chief Doris Bill says the flag raising is very important to her people. “Its been extremely rewarding for us to see the changes that have been taking place throughout this city.”  “In this day-and-age of reconciliation, for us it means a great deal. When our people come to the college and see themselves reflective in this building, it means a great deal to our people.” 

Ta’an Kwach'an Deputy Chief Michelle Telep says the flags serve as a reminder to the TKC people that they are learning and working on their homelands. “The flags are a symbol to our students, staff and alumni from the college that they are on their homelands and are being recognized for contributing importantly to their community, whether through learning or employment.” “These flags are also a symbol of reconciliation and moving forward. They're a symbol of collaboration and partnership that are being strengthened through the college and our nations.”

The flags are positioned at the walkway to the front entrance of the College at the roundabout.

(Dan Jones Whitehorse Oct. 13, 2017)

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