Represenatives from select First Nations in the Yukon Territory will paddle segments of the Yukon River with Art “Karts” Huseonica. The river passes through indigenous territories of five of the fourteen Yukon Territory’s First Nations. Mr. Huseonica believes that it’s very important to respect the lands, peoples, and cultures of the regions he passes through on his record-attempt expedition. Having members of the nations with him will help to educate him on the many nuances of the indigenous areas that border the Yukon River.
One paddler, Coralee Johns is a citizen of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. Ms. Johns has an extensive background in the fisheries and is very familiar with the depletion of salmon in the Yukon River. Her passionate advocacy is admired throughout the Territory.
Coralee Johns at the Yukon Transportation Muesum
A member of the Wolf Clan, Ms. Johns’ heritage includes relatives who were honorary chiefs, hunting and fishing outfitters, and guides for the building of the Alaska Highway during WWII. She’ll spend time with Karts on Lake Laberge and nearby salmon spawning grounds which the Yukon River flows through. This is the first time in modern recorded history that First Nations citizens will join a Yukon River expedition.