Human Resources Officer

'A pocket of TH wherever you go': Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in launches podcast at Moosehide Gathering. Founders say the podcast will aim to strengthen cultural connections for the First Nation's citizens. Marissa Meilleur · CBC News · Posted: Aug 06, 2026 2:13 PM PDT | Last Updated: 3 hours ago Estimated 3 minutes Social sharing. Claire Neilson and Alysha Van Bibber, both 25-year-old Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in employees in different departments, have often loosely talked about starting a podcast together. When Neilson heard about available funding from the Arramat Project for Indigenous place-based projects, she spoke with Van Bibber, a Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizen who had recently participated in a digital storytelling project through the First Nation. Soon after, One Stitch at a Time, an official Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in podcast, started to become a reality. At this year's Moosehide Gathering near Dawson City, Yukon, the pair launched their podcast to the community. They recorded segments for their first episode about the celebration, while also spreading the word to find potential listeners. Neilson said the purpose of the podcast is to share Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in stories, connections, memories and Hän culture in a digestible way for citizens. "Knowledge is such a big part of cultures, so I think the ability to have that more accessible just means that we're helping make [Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in culture] even stronger than it already is," Neilson said. With the first episode's expected release date of August 2027, Neilson said the show's format - including its hosts - is still flexible. However, she said the podcast's tone is set. "We really want it to feel like a pocket of TH wherever you go," Neilson said. Van Bibber said she wants that "pocket of TH" to help keep citizens' connections to Hän culture thriving. "With a lot of our citizens that don't live in the traditional territory anymore, it's really important to connect with them," Van Bibber said. More recording sessions in Whitehorse, Dawson City. The podcast's potential to strengthen these connections is key for Alice McCulley, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in's natural resources director and one of the project's "champions." She said one of her department's mandates is to encourage citizens to build and maintain connections with the land - which she believes this podcast can do. "We really hope to broaden our reach in terms of connecting with folks from outside the traditional territory, and helping folks to reconnect or to learn about what it means to be Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in," McCulley said. Neilson said working on this project, learning the ropes of podcasting is "chaotic," but motivating. "We're just really excited and I guess future-oriented in the sense that we just want to see it grow when we are young, so we could see it grow in our lifetime." The next step for the podcast, Neilson said, is to hold two recording sessions with citizens in Whitehorse, and two in Dawson City. She said they're also looking into the possibility of hosting more sessions in Eagle, Alaska, as well as with citizens in British Columbia and Alberta. The project's current funding continues until September 2027. The group hopes to have about nine episodes ready to release by that time, following episodes would be released monthly. Neilson and Van Bibber said they hope to see the podcast continue for years to come, with different people and different generations taking the lead as time goes on. Marissa Meilleur is a reporter for CBC Yukon in Whitehorse. She is a member of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and she is studying journalism and political science at Carleton University.

New community-based bridging program launches to support learners in choosing their own path. Dawson City, Yukon - [January 2026] - Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, in partnership with Yukon University, is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new 12-month, land- and community-based bridging program designed to support learners in pursuing personal, educational, professional, cultural, and artistic goals in a culturally grounded and supporive environment. Rooted in Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in values and guided by Elders, mentors, and knowledge holders, the program offers a flexible, student-led learning journey that meets learners where they are at. Participants will choose their own trail. They will be supported by mentorship with opportunities for learning on the land, in the community and classroom. "A vital part of the program is its participatory, co-designed approach. Elders, youth, educators, and community members have shared their honest experiences of school and community life, along with their hopes for what this program can become. By being responsive to students, a Dënezhu approach is placed at the forefront, and we are pleased that Yukon University is embracing this new approach to educational programming alongside us." "We're proud to be working with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in to bring their vision for this program to life. Each learner charts their own course. At its heart, this program is about confidence, connection, and supporting learners as they move toward their goals." Learners may focus on goals such as earning a GED or driver's license, developing practical skills like sewing or financial literacy, learning survival skills on the land, or exploring cultural and artistic pathways. The curriculum is shaped by cohort interests and evolves over me, ensuring learning remains relevant, meaningful, and grounded. The program will run from mid-January to mid-December 2026, bringing together a small cohort of up to 10 learners who will move through the journey together, supported by one-on-one guidance and a strong network of care.