Yukon heritage reflects a long and diverse human history shaped by Indigenous cultures, northern environments, and more recent historical developments. The territory lies within the traditional lands of many First Nations, including the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Kwanlin Dün, Champagne and Aishihik, and Vuntut Gwitchin. Their languages, oral histories, and land-based knowledge remain central to cultural identity and stewardship of the land.
Bluefish Caves is located in the northern Yukon about 54 kilometers southwest of the community of Old Crow. It is one of North America’s most significant archaeological discoveries and is of great cultural significance to the Vuntut Gwitchin.
Avadlek Spit is one of three gravel spits on Qikiqtaruk, which are all remnants of the coast before the island was separated from the mainland [1]. Some of the earliest evidence of human occupation, known from two excavated Inuvialuit houses, are located on Avadlek Spit. These are now under threat from coastal erosion which is being monitored through a multi-year project with drone photogrammetry.
Pauline Cove is home to Inuvialuit and Euro-North American heritage resources that are currently threatened by storm surges and erosion caused by the depletion of sea ice. These historic buildings, which have been digitally captured using a Z+F laser scanner, can be viewed throughout this archive. The locations of all of the buildings contained in the archive can be identified on this 3D map. To navigate, use a 1 finger drag or click the Left Mouse Button and move your mouse around the screen.
This point cloud is of a Mackenzie Inuit sod house, one of the largest ever excavated in the Western Canadian Arctic. It was investigated over two summers at the Kuukpak site, located on the east channel of the Mackenzie Delta. The project was led Dr. Max Friesen, Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto. The house was scanned by Christina Robinson, University of Calgary. This unique dwelling is similar to sod houses found at Pauline Cove, Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island – many of which are at risk due to flooding and erosion. Driftwood deposited by storm surges and ice rafting is also scouring out and covering over the remains of many sod houses. A computer reconstruction of this dwelling can be seen here: https://skfb.ly/6FZVu
Underground natural freezers called “ice houses” were built by the Pacific Steam Whaling Company in the late 19th century. Of the five visible icehouses, four have collapsed while this one remains in usable condition. Capturing the interior of this unique structure required that we climb through a narrow entrance and down a ladder. Plastic milk bottles were illuminated using cell phones to provide light. A Leica BLK scanner was used to capture the architectural details. The frozen dirt walls have been cut away in this point cloud to reveal the internal support posts.
The Anglican Church Mission Society erected this building in 1916 to serve as the house for the missionary stationed on the island. It also served as the location for religious services when the Anglicans had trouble securing materials from which to build a separate church. Because the building stood empty and unmaintained for so many years it is in very poor condition. Stabilization measures have been undertaken in order for the building to remain as a feature within the landscape of the Park. Nesting boxes have been installed on the roof and inside the building for the island’s black guillemot colony.
This small building also was constructed in the early 1890s with several additions built on since. Repairs were undertaken to conserve this building so that it can remain as a feature within the landscape of the Park. Currently, the building is used for storage purposes.
This small building was constructed in the early 1890s and has had additions built on several times since. Not all of the additions to the building currently exist. Repairs were completed to conserve this building so that it can remain as a feature within the landscape of the Park. It is not currently used.
Captain McKenna of the Pacific Steam Whaling Co. built this cabin for his own use in 1893. It was constructed utilizing materials left over from the construction of Building No.4. The building underwent a number of changes over the years including the shingling of the exterior and the refinishing of the interior several times. Work undertaken to conserve this building includes: re-roofing, re-shingling of the exterior walls, and replacement of the window sash. Other than repairs to the flooring no work was undertaken on the interior of the building. It is currently used to store personal equipment and gear for the Park staff. This building is now known by its Inuvialuit name Ikagin House.