Yukon College says its community is saddened by last Wednesday’s passing of elder Pearl Keenan, its former chancellor.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends and the Teslin Tlingit Council,” the college said in a statement released Friday afternoon.

“In observance with Tlingit protocol, we will not display images of Pearl until after the headstone potlatch.

“Pearl was passionate about education and dedicated to the college and all our students. In the 1960s, she was a fierce advocate for a vocational school to provide training, skills and education to Yukoners.”

The school opened in 1963 and became Yukon College in 1988. 

Keenan then became the longest-serving chancellor, from 1993 to 2000. During that time, the college saw the first graduates of the Bachelor of Education (YNTEP) program, the creation of the Bachelor of Social Work program and establishment of the Northern Research Institute

After serving as chancellor, Keenan remained a valuable resource and support for students. She always attended convocation and as many special events on campus as she could.

She addressed graduates as the keynote speaker at the 2007 convocation ceremony.

“You don’t have everything on a platter, you have to work for it,” she told the graduates.

“Always remember, ahead of you is a road that still has lots of bends in it, and lots of obstacles which could stop you. But so far, they haven’t stopped you. Think first — take your time and think things through.”

She also expressed solidarity with the faculty: “It isn’t easy being a teacher. It takes a lot of patience.”

Beyond education, the college said, Keenan had a huge impact on the Yukon, touching many lives.

She helped found the Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council and dana Naye Ventures and was one of the first Yukoners to serve on the Yukon Human Rights Commission.

She was a Tlingit language teacher, passionate advocate for language revitalization and worked hard for the preservation and promotion of the heritage and culture of Yukon First Nations.

In 1986, while she was the commissionaire for the Yukon pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver, she met and spoke at length with Diana, Princess of Wales — a conversation she treasured, the college said.

Keenan was recognized with the Yukon Commissioner’s Award for Public Service and was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2007.

“Pearl was very special to us,” the college said.

“We are immensely grateful for Pearl’s tireless contribution to our lives and work. Her presence, wisdom and support will be greatly missed.”

She died in Whitehorse at the age of 99.