The Government of Yukon presents the final commemorative medals to exceptional Yukoners in celebration of the Yukon’s 125th anniversary.
The recipients were nominated for displaying values of leadership and reconciliation and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the territory.
An open house reception celebrating medal recipients will be held at the Jim Smith Building on Saturday, November 16, from 2 to 4 pm.
The final recipients of the Yukon 125 medals are:
- Larry Bagnell;
- Dr. Michael Bendall;
- Doris Bill;
- Ione Christensen;
- Patricia Cunning;
- Trevor Ellis;
- Cyriac George;
- Lawvanya Govindaraj;
- Elizabeth (Liz) Hanson;
- Muhammad Javed;
- Peter Johnston;
- Michelle Kolla;
- Paul MacDonald;
- Piers McDonald;
- Cheryl McLean;
- Patrick Michael;
- Joe Migwans;
- Janet Moodie;
- Gina Nagano;
- Mike Pemberton;
- Sharon Shorty;
- Jerry Soltani;
- Rudy Sudrich;
- Carol Vanderbyl; and
- Blake Vandecamp.
These recipients come from diverse backgrounds and sectors, such as public service, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, the arts and environmental stewardship. More information about these impressive Yukoners is included in the Backgrounder.
The medals feature original artwork by Carcross/Tagish First Nation artist Violet Gatensby. The artwork, Resilient Hearts/Insightful Vision, was designed to celebrate Yukoners who have demonstrated strong foresight and work ethic to foster a future where all generations can heal and thrive.
Throughout the Yukon 125 celebrations, we've had the privilege of recognizing remarkable Yukoners who have made lasting contributions to our territory. Their dedication show how one person's efforts can strengthen a community. Presenting 125 medals to these deserving Yukoners has been a true honour. Congratulations, and thank you for all you’ve done for the territory.
- Larry Bagnell: a devoted volunteer and long-serving Member of Parliament for the Yukon, Larry was recognized as the "Best Constituency MP" in 2016. He also held significant roles in local and parliamentary organizations.
- Dr. Michael Bendall: was a dedicated physician and, at one time, the sole specialist Ob/Gyn in Whitehorse during the 1980s. Dr. Bendall initiated the first ultrasound service in the Yukon and was on the Friends of McIntyre Creek board.
- Doris Bill: serving as the Chief of Kwanlin Dün First Nation from 2014 until 2022, Doris has championed many social issues, such as community safety and housing.
- Ione Christensen: a former Canadian senator, the first woman named Justice of the Peace for the Government of Yukon and the first woman appointed Judge of the Juvenile Court, Commissioner of Marriages and Clerk of the Small Debts Court for the Government of Yukon, Ione was also the first woman elected Mayor of Whitehorse and the first woman appointed Commissioner of Yukon. Ione has received many awards, including the Order of Canada in 1994. She was appointed to the Senate in 1999 and served until 2006.
- Patricia Cunning: has supported revitalization of MacBride Museum and served on the Yukon’s electoral district boundaries commission.
- Trevor Ellis: has been a long-standing Fire Chief in Mayo and has served as Councillor and Mayor of Mayo.
- Cyriac George: has been a dedicated advocate with the Malayali Association.
- Lawvanya Govindaraj: has been an integral coordinator and volunteer for the Yukon Hindu Temple Association.
- Elizabeth (Liz) Hanson: renowned for her tenure as Yukon New Democrat MLA and leader from 2009 to 2019, Liz played pivotal roles in the Yukon's historic land claims and devolution processes.
- Muhammad Javed: President of the Yukon Muslim Society who helped to establish the first mosque in the Yukon.
- Peter Johnston: the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations, Peter has been a longtime political servant in Yukon First Nations governments/organizations.
- Michelle Kolla: President of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce.
- Paul MacDonald: an educator at Porter Creek Secondary, Paul has decades of volunteerism in the sports community as a coach and organizer.
- Piers McDonald: a visionary leader and volunteer, Piers has given a lifetime of service to the Yukon. He served in the Territorial Legislature for 18 years, including a term as Premier. He was instrumental in organizing the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse, which marked the first time the Canada Games were held above the 60th parallel. Piers was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008 for his lifetime of service to the Yukon.
- Cheryl McLean: a secretary treasurer of 2023–24 Kwanlin Dün Cultural Society Governance Council Members, Cheryl has previously been a coordinator of Land Claims Implementation for the Council of Yukon First Nations and offers workshops on traditional cultural skills.
- Patrick Michael: the longest-serving legislative clerk of any assembly in Canada, Patrick was the Yukon Legislative Assembly’s clerk for 28 years.
- Joe Migwans: an Anishinaabe artist, traditional arts facilitator and drum maker.
- Janet Moodie: served over 25 years with the Government of Yukon, including serving as a Deputy Minister. Janet has also acted as Yukon College president.
- Gina Nagano: President and CEO of House of Wolf & Associates Inc., an Indigenous-owned community safety consultation firm, Gina has played a key role in designing and implementing the Community Safety Officer program with Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
- Mike Pemberton: a long-time Yukoner and business operator, Mike is Chair of the Yukon Development Corporation and serves on Yukon Energy's Board of Directors. Mike is also a former Chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and currently the President of Yukon Community Crime Stoppers Association.
- Sharon Shorty: a Yukon storyteller and comedian of Tlingit, Northern Tutchone and Norwegian ancestry.
- Jerry Soltani: serving as the in-house Elder at Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon and has worked on several Indigenous issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
- Rudy Sudrich: has contributed to the community for over four decades, promoting cross-country skiing through coaching at the T.E.S.T. program and establishing the Yukon Ski Patrol.
- Carol Vanderbyl: serving as the Catholic Women’s League Whitehorse Diocesan President, Carol has been a beacon of volunteerism in the community.
- Blake Vandecamp: known for his leadership and volunteerism in Carmacks, Blake has served as the Fire Chief with the Carmacks Fire Hall, been a coach and organizer with the Carmacks Hockey Association and an EMS first responder.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Jordan Lutz
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-335-9058
jordan.lutz@yukon.ca