Yukon marks a significant milestone today, as it commemorates 125 years since becoming a territory of Canada.
Yukon entered Confederation in 1898, after a gold rush boom propelled the remote northern region into the international spotlight. On June 13 of that year, the Yukon Territory Act established Canada鈥檚 second northern territory.
Steeped in a history rich with Indigenous culture and the Klondike Gold Rush, the fast-growing territory is an integral part of the tapestry of Canadian heritage.
According to Statistics Canada, from 2016 to 2021, increasing by 12.1 per cent as its population grew from 35,874 to 40,232.
Approximately 22.2 per cent of Yukon鈥檚 population are Indigenous Peoples, .
There are 14 Yukon First Nations and eight language groups across the territory.
First Nations people in Yukon never signed land treaties with the federal government during the territory鈥檚 establishment. However, 11 out of the 14 First Nations signed land claims under the Umbrella Final Agreement between 1993 and 2005, giving them more control over land use and greater governmental autonomy in areas such as language, health care, social services and education.
Other Indigenous groups in Northwest Territories and British Columbia also have traditional territory in Yukon.
As the anniversary commemorations unfold, the Government of Yukon, in collaboration with the Yukon Historical and Museums Association (YHMA), launched the $400,000 'Yukon 125 Fund.'
Aimed at community projects that focus on promoting the territory's heritage, culture or history, funding is set aside for each First Nation and municipal government. The remainder will be allocated to non-profits.
Janna Swales, YHMA鈥檚 board president, said the fund is about recognizing the different experiences that led to the 鈥渢erritory we know today鈥� while acknowledging the 鈥渄arker parts of our past.鈥�
鈥淲e are all working with our past to build a really positive feature,鈥� Swales told CTVNews.ca on Tuesday.
Swales said half of the funding is still available. The deadline to apply is June 30.
There鈥檚 a special sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly Tuesday afternoon, in Dawson City -- Yukon's first established capital and historic place where gold was discovered in the late 19th century.
