Yukon First Nations Languages
There are eight First Nations languages spoken in the Yukon. Each language group has distinct dialects, and many have more than one community residing within its larger nation. The loss of language is the loss of an enormous wealth of knowledge.
There are eight First Nations languages spoken in the Yukon
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Gwich’in
Old Crow Chandalar (Alaska) Fort McPherson, (NWT) Gwich'in Language The Gwich’in Athapaskan language has also been known as Loucheux, Kutchin and Tukudh. It is spoken in northern Yukon, northeast Alaska and in the northwest corner of the Northwest Territories. Language Resource Links First Voices - Vuntut Gwich'in Community Portal Yukon Native Language Centre - Gwich'in |
Southern Tutchone
Kluane Kloo Lake Klukshu Aishihik Champagne Hutshi Laberge Southern Tutchone Language Southern Tutchone, one of seven Athapaskan languages in the Yukon, is spoken in the southwestern part of the territory. Many Southern Tutchone people spend part of the year in subsistence activites, hunting, fishing and trapping in their traditional ranges. Language Resource Links First Voices - Southern Tutchone Community Portal Yukon Native Language Centre - Southern Tutchone |
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Hän
Dawson City Arctic Village (Alaska) Hän Language The Hän language is spoken in two communities: Dawson City, Yukon and Eagle, Alaska. The speakers of the language are called Hän Hwëch'in which means, "people who live along the (Yukon) River." It is closely related to the Gwich'in and Upper Tanana languages. Language Resource Links First Voices - Hän Community Portal Yukon Native Language Centre - Hän |
Tagish
Carcross Tagish Tagish Language Tagish was spoken in the southern lakes area of the Yukon, mainly at Marsh Lake, Carcross and Tagish Lake. Linguistically, Tagish is closely related to Kaska and Tahltan. Lucy Wren is one of a few individuals remaining who retain some knowledge of the language. Language Resource Links First Voices - Tagish Community Portal Yukon Native Language Centre - Tagish |
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Kaska
Ross River Watson Lake Lower Post (BC) Kaska Language Kaska is spoken in the southeastern Yukon in the communities of Ross River, Watson Lake and Upper Liard, and in northern British Columbia in the communities of Lower Post, Fireside, Good Hope Lake, Dease Lake and Muncho Lake. Language Resource Links First Voices - Kaska Community Portal Native Language Centre - Kaska |
Tlingit
Carcross Teslin Atlin (BC) Tlingit Language Tlingit is spoken primarily in the communities of Carcross, Teslin, Atlin B.C., and a large number of Alaskan First Nation peoples. In spite of the geographic range of the language there is relatively little dialect diversity and all speakers can understand each other. Language Resource Links Yukon Native Language Centre - Tlingit |
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Northern Tutchone
Big Salmon Little Salmon Fort Selkirk Mayo Northern Tutchone is spoken in the Yukon communities of Mayo, Pelly Crossing, Stewart Crossing, Carmacks, and Beaver Creek. Northern Tutchone is part of the Athabaskan language family. Language Resource Links Yukon Native Language Centre - Northern Tutchone |
In Part 5 of the Education Act, the Government of Yukon requires that First Nations languages be taught in Yukon schools. With the exception of Tagish, all of the Yukon First Nations languages are being taught as second-language programs in 22 Yukon schools.
Yukon Schools - First Nations Language Programs
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Language
Gwich'in Northern Tutchone Kaska Tlingit Southern Tutchone Upper Tanana Hän |
Community
Old Crow Whitehorse Carmacks Mayo Pelly Crossing Ross River Watson Lake Carcross Teslin Whitehorse Destruction Bay Haines Junction Whitehorse Beaver Creek Dawson City |
School
Chief Zzeh Gittlit School F.H. Collins Secondary School Tantalus School J.V. Clark School Eliza Van Bibber School Ross River School Johnson Elementary School Watson Lake Secondary Ghùch Tlâ Community School Teslin School F.H. Collins Secondary School Kluane Lake School St.Elias Community School Elijah Smith Elementary School Hidden Valley School Jack Hulland Elementary Porter Creek Secondary School Selkirk Elementary School Takhini Elementary School Whitehorse Elementary School Nelnah Bessie John School Robert Service School |
Grades
K-9 8-12 K-12 K-12 K-12 K-12 K-7 8-12 K-9 K-9 8-12 K-8 K-12 K-7 K-7 K-7 8-12 K-7 K-7 K-7 K-9 K-12 |
