DAWSON CITY – Whitehorse may have been the capital of the Yukon Territory since 1953, but the territory’s political history begins in Dawson City.

And so, when it comes time to celebrate major anniversaries, the legislature comes to sit in what was its original home on the second floor of the Old Territorial Administration Building, the current home of the Dawson City Museum.

Fifteen MLAs were gathered on Tuesday, the territory’s natal day, in a room that now functions mainly as a territorial courtroom when major cases are tried here.

The 16th, Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn, had to be absent at the last minute due to the serious illness of his brother, who was hospitalized a few days ago in Ontario. This probably should have been mentioned during the session – but wasn’t.

The main purpose of this ceremonial gathering was spelled out in an official press release.

“The Government of Yukon recognizes the importance of honouring the territory’s history, using an approach that honours the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, while also commemorating the pivotal moments that shaped Yukon’s role in joining the Confederation of Canada.

“A special sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly was held in Dawson City today to commemorate the Yukon’s 125th anniversary. It was June 13, 1898, that this land separated from the Northwest Territories and joined Confederation as the Yukon Territory.”

The session began with a prayer from Speaker Jeremy Harper.

This was followed by a series of speeches paying tribute to two prominent community members who have passed away: Peter Jenkins, former Dawson mayor, Klondike MLA and deputy premier; and Peggy Kormendy, a respected elder and former Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in chief, being the first woman to hold that position.

These tributes took up most of the first hour. Family members, including Jenkins’ eldest daughter, Samantha (Jenkins) Bond, were present.

Following this, assembly members participated in the commemoration and debate of the following motion:

“Motion No. 733

“THAT the Speaker of the Yukon Legislative Assembly forward the following address to the people of Yukon:

“WHEREAS June 13, 2023 is the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Yukon Territory in Canada; and

“WHEREAS Yukoners value the history and heritage of the land and its peoples;

“NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Yukon Legislative Assembly acknowledges and celebrates the history and heritage of the land, its peoples and the lives, traditions, and cultures of all Yukoners past and present, and pledges to continue to improve the lives of all Yukoners for generations to come.”

Premier Ranj Pillai was quoted in the release as saying “it was an honour to commemorate the Yukon’s 125th anniversary in Dawson City alongside my colleagues.

“This milestone marks an important opportunity to reflect on our past and look forward towards the future. It is also an opportunity to recognize the enduring presence of Yukon First Nations who have inhabited this land since time immemorial,” the premier said.

“I look forward to the next 125 years as we continue to adapt to change, embrace diversity and welcome inclusivity. Together, we are building a strong and resilient Yukon for generations to come.”

The meeting concluded with a well-received address by Dawson Mayor Bill Kendrick.

Special sittings were held on the 75th and 100th anniversaries of the Yukon in 1973 and 1998.

The assembly also sat in the original chamber in 1977 to honour Dawson’s Diamond Jubilee; in 1988 to celebrate the completion of the refurbished historic chambers; and in 2009 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first wholly-elected Yukon Territorial Council.