Regalia in focus at KDCC celebration on June 21
Rebecca Strong headlines day of music and culture
The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC) in Whitehorse is gearing up to host a vibrant National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Saturday, June 21. CBC North is a sponsor of the event.
National Indigenous Peoples Day, held on the summer solstice, serves as a time to recognize and honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
This year's festivities shine a spotlight on the power of regalia and storytelling, with a first-ever Traditional Fashion Show and a powerful performance lineup headlined by Rebecca Strong.
This year's theme, We Wear Our Stories, honours the deep cultural significance of regalia in affirming Indigenous identity. Community members of all backgrounds are invited to walk the runway with pride in their finest traditional attire. The fashion show will be opened by powwow dancers, which organizers say is a fitting tribute to regalia in motion.
Rebecca Strong: Canada's Got Talent winner to perform
Rebecca Strong, a 20-year-old powerhouse vocalist from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, won Canada's Got Talent.
A proud member of the Black Lake Denesuline First Nation, Strong was born in Stony Rapids and has been performing since childhood. Her commanding voice and stage presence captured national attention in 2024, earning her a well-deserved spotlight across Canada.
Strong joins a lineup featuring Daghalhaan K'e Dancers, Bria Rose, the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers and Yukon musical duo Dena Zagi.
Performing with a full band, Dena Zagi brings the heartfelt songs and stories from their new album 282 to this year's celebration.
Life partners and bandmates Dennis Shorty and Jenny Fröhling make up Dena Zagi, a powerful musical duo with deep roots and distinct backgrounds.
Shorty is Kaska Dena from Ross River, Yukon, and Fröhling is from Germany. 282, released on May 13, takes its name from the number Dennis was assigned at residential school. 282 is a moving and hopeful collection of songs about identity, healing and resilience. You can hear more about the album and their story in this CBC Radio interview from the Weekender with Jared Monkman.
Cultural activities, community fun on the schedule
From bannock and rap music to hide tanning by the river, this year's celebration is packed with hands-on cultural experiences.
- Bannock bake-off hosted by Vision Quest — a dynamic hip hop duo from Whitehorse featuring Nick Johnson and Yudii Mercredi
- Elder storytelling at the sacred community fire pit
- Traditional sports demos
- Indigenous artist market — including the launch of KDCC's new retail line
- Hide tanning demonstrations at the river, with Angela Code and Moosehide Margaret
- Medicinal tea service at the KDCC medicine garden
- Drop-in workshops, youth activities, community feast and more
Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations would not be complete without Gwich'in fiddle music. This year's jigging contest will feature spot dances with prizes. It's an event for all ages to hit the floor and celebrate together.
KDCC's June 21 celebration promises a full day of culture and community. For full event details and schedule updates, visit the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre website.