A new display of artwork from the Yukon Permanent Art Collection has been installed in the Legislative Assembly Chamber for the 2026 Spring Sitting.
The following is a list of artwork in counterclockwise order from the south side of the Chamber, with background info about the artists
Keet – Killer Whale by Alex Dickson (1999) – Birch, acrylic, abalone
Alex Dickson was a respected and prolific Tlingit artist, working in wood and many other materials. He created masks, paddles, headdresses, totem poles, mammoth ivory sculptures, pendants and rings. His carvings were made in the Tlingit tradition that was passed down to him. He created designs based on this tradition and developed with his own unique style, inspired by stories told he was told during his childhood. He was also recognized for his knowledge of traditional medicines and outdoor skills. This carved whale features formline designs of two eagles, a sun and moon incorporated into its body. The carefully-shaped form allows it to balance on its tail as though floating in water.
Boreal Reverie Brooch by Tamika Knutson (2016) – Copper, silver, powdered enamel, patina, steel wire
Tamika Knutson is a Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation artist from Dawson City. After completing the foundation year program at the Yukon School of Visual Arts, Tamika transferred to Nova Scotia College of Art and Design earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in jewellery design and metalsmithing. In her artwork, she explores traditional materials and First Nation craft techniques. This brooch was inspired by growing up in a northern environment abundant with moss and lichen. The forms, textures and colours in this piece create a miniature world, inviting the viewer to look more closely and appreciate an often overlooked but rich portion of the ecosystem.
Fireweed Mitts by Audrey Brown (2020) – Commercially tanned hide, lynx fur, beads, cotton thread
Audrey Brown was born at Fort Selkirk and grew up in the Carmacks area. She later moved the Haines Junction area with her husband where they worked on their family trap line. She is known for her skill in hunting, trapping, hide tanning and food gathering and still traps, sets fish nets and practices traditional harvesting. Audrey learned beadwork from her mother Selina O’Brien and has been sewing and beading for much of her life. She has been the main teacher of her granddaughter Karrie Brown. These mitts are made with lynx fur from the family trap line with cuffs featuring a striking beaded fireweed design.
Léa Moreau by Marie-Stéphanie Gasse (2018) – Recycled wool fabric, fur, yarn, beads, feather and embroidery floss
François Xavier Mercier by Cécile Girard (2018) – Recycled wool fabric, hide, false fur, beads and embroidery floss
These dolls were created for the Stitches in Time project as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Initiated by the Association franco-yukonnaise and led by Yukon artist Cécile Girard, the project pays tribute to the history of French-speaking Yukoners through traditional arts and crafts. The Yukon community was invited to explore the creative process of doll-making using techniques such as sewing, embroidery, beading, leather work and knitting by participating in a workshop using recycled materials. Inspired by real figures from the past to present-day, the dolls tell the stories of Francophones who helped build community in the Yukon.
Frog Hat by Calvin Morberg (2024) – Copper, ermine pelts, sea lion whiskers
Calvin Morberg is an artist from the Daklaweidi (Eagle) Clan of the Inland Tlingit Nation. He works primarily in wood and copper, creating art that reflects pride and commitment to carrying on cultural traditions. Calvin started carving with the late Alex Dickson and later joined the Sundog Carving Program. He has traveled around the world demonstrating as an artist and participating in cultural exchanges. This hat is an homage to clan hats that were historically carved by Tlingit people. They were worn by chiefs, clan leaders and people of high-ranking status to show wealth and prestige. Calvin created this hat in copper, which has been a significant and valuable metal to Indigenous people as well as a rich medium for artistic expression.