FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2024
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Accepts Gift of Chief Isaac Statue
On Saturday, August 24, 2024, members of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in General Assembly gathered on
the Yukon River in Dawson for the unveiling of a new statue of Hähkè (Chief) Isaac, one of the Hän
nation’s most influential and revered leaders. The concrete and metal statue was created by artists
Halin de Repentigny and Jake Armstrong and gifted to Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in by M2 Mining; a placer
mining operation based in Dawson.
The statue was placed in Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory with Hähkè Isaac’s likeness looking
down towards Moosehide village, a traditional and contemporary gathering place for the Hän
nation. Several Hähkè Isaac’s descendants were present, including his granddaughter, who
thanked the artists and donor on behalf of her family and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people.
Hähkè Darren Taylor, the current Chief of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in recalled Hähkè Isaac’s contributions
and legacy to the community of Dawson, noting that he was a leader who sought to build
understanding between Klondike Gold Rush stampeders and Hän people.
“Hähkè Isaac was our leader during a period of unprecedented upheaval for our people. When
30,000 foreigners stampeded into our traditional territory at the height of the Klondike Gold Rush,
he led us in welcoming them and teaching them our way while also looking out for the wellbeing of
his people. …[And] when he sent the songs and dances that house our culture to be stored for
safekeeping with our relatives in Alaska…he did so informed by a lesson present in so many of our
traditional stories: there is danger both in the refusal to adapt and in failing consider future
generations in our decisions. Thanks to his connection to the teachings of his ancestors, we still
have our songs and dances today.”
A plaque recognizing the contributions of past and contemporary Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in leaders is
slated to be added to the statue later this year
Contact
Elaine Corden
Director of Communications and Policy
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
(604) – 345 – 2140
Copy of Release: Tr’ondëk-Hwëch’in-Accept-Gift-of-Chief-Isaac-Statue
