Welcome

---

Spring has sprung, and like the rest of Yukoners, we are ready for it!

March started with a bang, with the Arctic Winter Games. It was an action-packed week for Yukon, with athletes visiting from across the globe to compete in our beautiful territory. Competition was fierce and our athletes did us all proud. I had the opportunity to participate in the opening and closing ceremonies, many cultural events and a number of the medal presentations.

I was delighted to host the Commissioner of Nunavut, the Honourable Edna Elias and the Commissioner of Northwest Territories, the Honourable George Tuccaro, during the Games. In partnership with Northwestel and Northern Vision Development, we hosted a gala reception during the Games. It was a great success and a wonderful way to get in the spirit of the Games. We also took the opportunity to sign an official Cooperation Accord between our three offices to acknowledge our common interests and pledge mutual support.

This past year I’ve been developing a project that I hope will be one of the pivotal components of my term as Commissioner of Yukon - my Arts & Culture mandate. My goal is to put a spotlight on the talented youth musicians and performers across Yukon. This has been a hugely successful endeavour. Last year's Commissioner's Tea & Ball in Dawson City included performances by Emily & Sophia Ross. At the Christmas Open House we highlighted classical guitar performances by Logan Frasher (16), Julia Frasher (12), Kienna Baker (14) and Cambria Fuerstner (14). The New Year's Levee also featured a selection of youth performers, with Aiden Adel (10) singing ‘Oh Canada’, Ivory Randall (11) singing ‘God Save the Queen’ and two performances by members of The Fiddleheads. Most recently, Krystal Dawn (who performs as edzieOo), gave a music performance at the Vancouver Yukoners Annual Banquet, which I attended as an honoured guest and speaker.

This year I am going to develop the program even further, by giving it an official name and exploring the possibility of hosting an annual special concert featuring these amazing talented youth. I am hopeful that this program will develop its own legacy and continue with other Commissioners long after my term expires.

We’ve got a busy few months ahead of us, between the planning of the Commissioner’s Tea and Ball in June, preparing for the annual Lieutenant Governor's Conference in Ottawa, and continuing our Diamond Jubilee activities – including the first medal ceremony and celebration on May 21^st here in Whitehorse. I hope to see you all there!  

© 2010 Government of Yukon