Revised - Liberal and Yukon Party politicians have expressed regret about the passing of Percy Henry, an esteemed elder of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community in the Dawson City region.

Henry died last Saturday. He had been in his late 90s.

Born to Gwich’in parents, Joe and Annie Henry, the family moved to Dawson in the 1930s.

“It is with deep sadness that I mark the passing of respected and beloved elder Percy Henry,” Premier Ranj Pillai said Monday.

“Mr. Henry was a true Dawson legend. As one of the last fluent Hän language speakers, he tirelessly dedicated himself to sharing knowledge of his people, culture and language.

“Mr. Henry was a former chief of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government and was instrumental in initiating the Yukon’s land claims process.”

Henry was one of the Yukon chiefs who travelled to Ottawa in 1973 to present Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow – urging the commencement of land claims negotiations – to then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau.

In 2019, Henry received the Order of Yukon, the territory’s highest honour.

“Mr. Henry was an active elder well into his senior years and worked to keep his First Nation’s traditions and culture alive,” Pillai said.

“He championed language revitalization through many hours devoted to mentoring learners, translating and documenting the Hän language.

“Those with the good fortune of spending time in his company enjoyed Mr. Henry’s great sense of humour and engaging storytelling along with his infinite patience when teaching the Hän language.”

In 2021, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in government published the Hän-language children’s book called Shëtsey – My Grandpa.

The book pays tribute to the beloved Yukon elder by depicting activities that he loves and is meant to encourage people to learn. Henry co-wrote and translated the book to Hän.

A sign at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre quotes Henry saying: “We need to teach our children today, so our way of life will live on.”

“Mr. Henry embodied his philosophy,” the premier said.

“His life and work made a positive difference in his community, and his important legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I extend the Yukon’s heartfelt condolences to Mr. Henry’s family and friends, and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community.”

Henry’s funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Dawson, where he had been a Deacon for many years.

The service will be live-streamed to the Ätät Nëhëjël (TH Community Hall), as the family knows there will be so many people attending.

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of much-respected Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in elder Percy Henry,” said Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon said Tuesday.

“Henry certainly had a life well-lived, and his impact on the Yukon will be felt for generations to come. He was a champion for his people,” Dixon said.

“He was very active in the changes happening for Yukon First Nations – a leader of note for the Tr’ondëk citizens.

“On behalf of the Yukon Party caucus, I pass along our condolences to Henry’s family, friends, and his community.”

“Having known Percy for all my life, he was a calm and patient soul, who always welcomed you with a smile,” said Geraldine Van Bibber, the Yukon Party MLA for Porter Creek North.

“He will be missed for his steady quiet presence.

“We are losing these gentle giants, but Percy has left a legacy that will live on for years to come. I will attend the funeral to honour his passing and ensure our family pays the respects that this elder has earned.”