"THIS IS MY COUNTRY. WHAT I WANT TO EXPRESS IS HERE AND I LOVE IT. AMEN" - EMILY CARR (MAY 1934)

Saturday 17 May 2014

IMAGES OF OLD CROW

I spent the last week in Old Crow Yukon working with the students through the Artists in the School Program. I worked with the Grades 1,2,3 with Ms. Maclean.  The Grades 4,5,6 with Ms. McCulloch and the Grades 7,8,9 with Ms. Burton.  Approximately 27 youth in total. We had so much fun creating art with Watercolour, Acrylic and Mixed Media. 

I was lucky enough to see the caribou as the river broke and the herd started it's spring migration! I also had the honour of attending the birthday of a 92 year Old Gwichen Elder named Fanny Charlie.  Her family made a feast and served it to the whole community! I stayed with Pat Fortier and Harreson Tanner whose hospitality is legendary. Anyone who is  blessed enough to have them as friends; would know what I mean!  

It was my first time to visit this fly-in Northern community, home of the Vuntut Gwichen First Nation.  If you were to look at the map of Canada's Yukon, you will find Old Crow to be the only community located in the northern Yukon Territory. Situated on the banks of the Porcupine River, Old Crow is isolated from other surrounding communities.  I loved the town and the people and hope to go back there again one day. Below is a video link of the caribou caught on the ice flows.  Happened while I was there, this can be treacherous for them as some caribou do not make it. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEkI4DwBNDY






Fanny Charlie,  Gwichen Elder
92 years old

Works from  Students at the Local School
Acrylic and Watercolour