Champagne and Aishihik First Nations elders in Haines Junction have a full calendar of health, cultural, and land-based activities throughout September 2026, starting with diabetes and eye screening on September 15 at Da Ku Cultural Centre.
The screening runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with Marion Primozic listed as the contact. It is the first in a series of events organized by CAFN that connect elders to medical services and traditional practices.
From September 16 to 20, the Moosehide Camp takes place at the Da Ku Smoke House, running 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Richard Smith is the contact for the camp, which brings elders together for hands-on cultural teaching and community connection.
On September 17, elders can attend the Takhini Lunch at Takhini Hall from noon to 3 p.m., with Marion Primozic again as the contact. The gathering offers a shared meal and social time in a central community space.
Land-based activities follow on September 21 with cranberry picking in Kusawa, located within CAFN’s Traditional Territory and shared with Carcross/Tagish and Kwanlin Dün First Nations. This all-day outing lets elders harvest traditional foods on the land. The next day, September 22, brings the Elders Camp, another all-day opportunity for cultural programming.
September 28 includes a shopping trip to Whitehorse, giving elders access to services and supplies outside the community. The month concludes on September 30 with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Every Child Matters events at Da Ku Cultural Centre from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
CAFN, a self-governing First Nation with Traditional Territories in Yukon and northern British Columbia, has more than 1,200 members and was one of the first four Yukon First Nations to sign a land claims agreement in 1992. The Da Ku Cultural Centre, which means “Our House” in Southern Tutchone, has served as a teaching and gathering hub since opening in 2012.
Elders can contact Takhini Hall at 667-6701 or the CAFN Haines Junction office at 867-634-4200 for more information about the September schedule.
