A Yukon Party motion directing the territorial government to help communities celebrate the 125th anniversary of the territory joining Confederation in 1898 passed unanimously in the legislature Wednesday afternoon.

Simultaneously, the government released a statement announcing the Yukon 125 Fund of $400,000 to support community-driven initiatives.

Each successful application is eligible to receive up to $7,500 for commemorative activities across the Yukon.

The YP motion had been brought forward by Porter Creek North MLA Geraldine Van Bibber.

“I am pleased to see the motion pass with support from all MLAs,” said Van Bibber, the Tourism and Culture critic.

“After a bleak few years of shutdowns, road checks, social distancing and wearing of masks, we are in the mood for a celebration.

“One hundred twenty-five candles, 125 balloons, 125 whatever, the imagination can run wild with ideas to create a simple celebration, and it does not have to be costly.”

During debate, Van Bibber brought up the state of signage around the territory.

She noted she has witnessed paint chipping, leaning signs and outdated information.

She also suggested the large entrance signs coming into the territory could use a face-lift.

Van Bibber said perhaps this is the year to conduct immediate repairs to the signs, so visitors and locals can see pride in the place Yukoners call home.

“The Yukon Party is also happy to see the Liberal government take our suggestion and create a fund for Yukon communities to create locally driven initiatives and celebrate this milestone,” the official Opposition said.

“It is time to laugh and sing, ‘Happy birthday, Yukon,’” Van Bibber added.

In its announcement of the new fund, the government said it’s “committed to commemorating the territory’s shared cultural heritage and helping tell the Yukon story from all perspectives.”

These types of activities are expected to be eligible for funding:

• celebrations, community events, gatherings and forums;

• improvements to community spaces (e.g. landscaping, art installations and murals);

• creative projects and performances; and

• research or educational projects that focus on the Yukon’s heritage, culture and history.

The fund will consist of two application streams:

• one for First Nation governments and municipalities, which will automatically qualify for funding; and

• another stream to fund 25 initiatives from community organizations, clubs, boards and committees.

Full eligibility criteria and program guidelines will be available on Yukon.ca shortly, once the fund officially launches.

“The history of the Yukon spans much further than the 125 years since joining Canadian Confederation,” said Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker.

“This anniversary marks an important chapter in our shared history.

“Through the new Yukon 125 Fund, we will support community-driven approaches to commemorate this occasion, reflecting on the journey of the Yukon, and the territory we wish to create for our children.”

The Yukon joined Canadian Confederation on June 13, 1898.

Local advisory councils will be invited to recommend projects for their communities.