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More outstanding Yukoners recognized with Yukon 125 medals

Press Release

The Government of Yukon presents 25 more commemorative medals to exceptional Yukoners in celebration of the Yukon’s 125th anniversary.

Today, the Government of Yukon celebrates another 25 Yukoners who embody the values of leadership and reconciliation and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the territory. Over the course of September, another 25 recipients will be announced each week.

This week’s Yukon 125 medal recipients are:

  • Dahria Beatty;
  • Robin Bradasch;
  • Tim Brady;
  • Kyra Chambers;
  • Dr. Kenneth Coates;
  • Margaret Commodore;
  • Jud Deuling;
  • Albert Drapeau;
  • Vince Fedoroff;
  • Raman Grewal;
  • Doug Jim;
  • Pat Joe;
  • Rick Karp;
  • Denny Kobayashi;
  • Leonard Linklater;
  • Jane Londero;
  • Liard McMillan;
  • Stephen J. Mills;
  • Dr. Shelagh Rowles;
  • Sonjaa Schmidt;
  • Krystle Silverfox;
  • Maura Sullivan;
  • Sid van der Meer Sr.;
  • William (Bill) Webber; and
  • Anya Zimmerman.

These recipients come from diverse backgrounds and sectors, such as public service, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, the arts and environmental stewardship. More information about these impressive Yukoners is included in the Backgrounder.

The medals feature original artwork by Carcross/Tagish First Nation artist Violet Gatensby. The artwork, Resilient Hearts/Insightful Vision, was designed to celebrate Yukoners who have demonstrated strong foresight and work ethic to foster a future where all generations can heal and thrive.

I want to thank these incredible Yukoners for the lasting, positive impact they have made on their communities. Through unwavering dedication and countless contributions, they have not only uplifted those around them but have helped shape our territory into one of the best places in the world to live, work and play.

Premier Ranj Pillai

Backgrounder

  • Dahria Beatty: a former Olympic cross-country skier, Dahria has inspired youth in sport.
  • Robin Bradasch: negotiated and finalized the Kluane First Nation Final and Self-Government agreements, Robin has since demonstrated ongoing reconciliation by being the first self-governing Yukon First Nation citizen to hold the most senior federal position in the Yukon as the Regional Director General with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
  • Tim Brady: inducted into the Sport Yukon Hall of Fame, Tim has dedicated himself to developing basketball in the Yukon.
  • Kyra Chambers: the Equine Director for Shäwthän Näzhì: Healing with the Land Society, Kyra has taught many Indigenous youth leadership skills and backcountry horse riding skills.
  • Dr. Kenneth Coates: an educator, researcher and writer, Dr. Coates’ work has focused on Indigenous governance and northern development.
  • Margaret Commodore: supported First Nations children, built social activities and services for Indigenous people and played a key role in amending the Indian Act. Margaret has also served as a Justice of the Peace, was elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in 1982 and held two terms as a Cabinet Minister in the NDP government.
  • Jud Deuling: as part of the team at the Individual Learning Centre, Jud has helped many students achieve their high school graduation and move on to their next goals.
  • Albert Drapeau: former Executive Director of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce (YFNCC), Albert has worked on economic reconciliation, guiding the YFNCC in its formative phase. Albert has also been recognized for his contributions to sustainable and responsible Yukon mining.
  • Vince Fedoroff: having worked at the Whitehorse Star for 50 years, Vince has documented and captured Yukoners through his work as a photographer.
  • Raman Grewal: a long-time business owner of Kia Whitehorse, Raman has also been involved with the Sikh Temple.
  • Doug Jim: founded the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association (YFNHA), Doug has significantly impacted Yukon First Nations by providing youth with opportunities to build confidence, pride and sportsmanship.
  • Pat Joe: a long-time educator, Pat has been recognized for her leadership in Indigenous education.
  • Rick Karp: opening the first McDonald’s in the Yukon in 1986, Rick has been a force in the Whitehorse business community for over 30 years. He was President of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce for 14 years and is currently the President of the Jewish Cultural Society of the Yukon.
  • Denny Kobayashi: having served on many executive boards, including the Yukon Chamber of Commerce and the Yukon Tourism Advisory Board, Denny has been instrumental in the territory’s economic growth. He has also dedicated his time volunteering for various organizations such as the Canadian Ski Patrol.
  • Leonard Linklater: a prominent figure in the Yukon’s media landscape since the 1980s, Leonard blends Vuntut Gwitchin storytelling with journalism, notably with CBC Yukon. He co-wrote 60 Below, receiving Dora nominations and co-founded Gwaandak Theatre, exploring decolonization and social justice themes.
  • Jane Londero: a long time, highly respected leader in education, Jane works at the Individual Learning Centre to help many students achieve their high school graduation and move on to their next goals.
  • Liard McMillan: as part of the team at the Individual Learning Centre, Liard has helped many students achieve their high school graduation and move on to their next goals.
  • Stephen J. Mills: with extensive leadership roles in First Nations governments, the Government of Yukon and the private sector, Stephen demonstrated crucial leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly aiding the territory’s exemplary response and proving to be a model of professionalism and dedication in public service.
  • Dr. Shelagh Rowles: a longtime leader at Yukon University, Dr. Rowles has helped develop programs in collaboration with Yukon First Nations, communities and industry stakeholders.
  • Sonjaa Schmidt: the first Canadian woman to win gold at a U23 Nordic World Ski Championship event.
  • Krystle Silverfox: an artist and the fifth Yukoner nominated for the Sobey Art Award as well as shortlisted for the Yukon Prize in 2022. Krystle is a compassionate role model, mentor and activist, exemplifying what is possible for First Nations.
  • Maura Sullivan: a teacher and principal of the Individual Learning Centre, Maura helps students achieve their high school education.
  • Sid van der Meer Sr.: documenting the Yukon’s history at his home-based museum, Bordertown Garage and Museum, in Beaver Creek, Sid has spent a lifetime collecting artifacts from the territory’s past.
  • William (Bill) Webber: founded the Yukon Association of Non-Status Indians and served as President for five years, Bill has been working to end discrimination and improve socio-economic conditions for non-status Indigenous people. Bill played a key role in the 2005 Self-Government and Land Claims Agreements as Administrator and Councillor of Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
  • Anya Zimmerman: a teacher at the Individual Learning Centre, Anya is a dedicated educator.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Jordan Lutz
Executive Council Office, Communications
867-335-9058
jordan.lutz@yukon.ca

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