Sharon Kabanak has inherited traditional wisdom from her mother, mentors, and elders. Determined to preserve this knowledge for future generations, the Kluane First Nation member conducts workshops to pass on traditional art and insights to children, families, visitors, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Leading a recent workshop at the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Centre, a collaborative space between Kluane First Nation and Parks Canada near Silver City, north of Haines Junction, Yukon, Kabanak instructed participants on crafting necklaces and medicine bags using beads and plastic bone-shaped pieces that reflect traditional designs.
For Kabanak, the act of creating with one’s hands is more than just a skill—it is a way to forge a connection with the land. Drawing from years of experience with traditional foods, medicines, languages, and art, much of her knowledge was passed down by mentors and elders in Alaska, as well as her mother. Central to these teachings is the respect shown towards animals and materials sourced from nature.
She emphasizes the importance of imparting these teachings by providing opportunities for younger generations to observe and engage in traditional practices. Kabanak stresses the value of embracing traditions and the legacy of ancestors, encouraging individuals to find happiness and pride in honoring their heritage.
According to Kabanak, children retain memories of past experiences such as learning to cook, crafting items like birch baskets, or spending time in nature. By actively participating in these traditions, children absorb and replicate the practices they witness, fostering a sense of continuity and cultural preservation.
Beyond generational transmission, Kabanak views sharing traditional practices as a means of fostering connections with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Participants in her workshops have included researchers and students from Quebec, France, and the United States, reflecting a global interest in indigenous knowledge and handmade crafts as vehicles for cultural exchange.
Marilou Roy, a master’s student from Quebec studying wildlife in the Yukon, attests to the transformative impact of learning from Kabanak. Through these exchanges, Roy has gained insights into the interconnectedness of wildlife, plants, people, and the expansive boreal forest, enhancing her research and perspective on conservation efforts.
For Kabanak, the enduring value lies not in the physical artifacts like necklaces or medicine bags, but in the knowledge and wisdom they carry. She envisions a continuous cycle of sharing and learning, emphasizing the importance of community and land stewardship in preserving indigenous traditions.
