Yukon College and White River First Nation create artist opportunity

BEAVER CREEK – One Yukon artist will have an opportunity to experience anthropology and archeology first-hand as part of a new artist-in-residence position on White River First Nation traditional lands.

Yukon College is accepting applications from Yukon resident artists up to Monday June 22, 2015. The successful artist must be available between July 7-22, 2015, to participate in all aspects of the Little John Field Camp located in the Mirror Creek and Scottie Creek valleys of the upper Tanana River watershed near Beaver Creek, Yukon.

Working under the leadership of Yukon College anthropologist and project director, Norm Easton, field camp activities will include archaeological excavation and survey, oral history presentations and interviews with Elders and Cultural Specialists, local language training, and participation in village and subsistence activities.

The artist will also be expected to facilitate two one-day workshops for local residents in their chosen artistic field of expression and produce new work reflecting their new-found understanding of Dineh life, history, and culture on the Yukon-Alaska Borderlands.

The artist-in-residence program is sponsored by the Yukon Arts Center’s Culture Quest program, Yukon College, and White River First Nation. The artist will receive a $1000 stipend plus reimbursement of any pre-approved direct expenses they may incur.

The Little John Field Camp was established in 2002 and is the base for annual ethnographic and archaeological research of the Scottie Creek Borderlands Culture History Project directed by Easton since 1990. This joint White River First Nation - Yukon College project involves students and local First Nation Youth and Elders in integrated investigations of the region's history, language, and culture.

To obtain an application package contact Norm Easton at neaston@yukoncollege.yk.ca or (867) 393-8012. Notice of selection will be no later than Thursday June 25.