We are the Inland Tlingit, descended from the Taku Quan of Taku River. The name Teslin derives from tás ten, meaning “long sewing sinew” in our language, aptly describing the 148-kilometre (92-mile) long and narrow lake. When you visit Teslin on the shores of our shimmering blue lake, you are sure to experience a profound sense of wonder, welcome and wellbeing. In the words of our esteemed Elder, the late Virginia Smarch, we have been living as “part of the land, part of the water” forever.
Our citizens rely on hunting, fishing and gathering to supply healthy foods, along with the spiritual connections to the land that contribute to our wellbeing. We prize the salmon, which navigate the longest migration run in the world to return to us each summer.
Our oral traditions tell of our people travelling from coastal Alaska inland to trade for hundreds of years. Our ancestors began living permanently in the Yukon in the 1800s, with more families arriving in the past century. As a self-governing First Nation, we have developed a unique governance model incorporating our clan leadership and contemporary administrative processes to provide programs, services and cultural continuity for our community. We retain our traditional Tlingit clan structure with five clans: Koohittan – Raven, Ishkeetaan – Frog, Yanyedi – Wolf, Deisheetaan – Split Tail Beaver and Dakl’aweidi – Eagle.
Come see us, dance in our celebrations, drink from the pristine waters of our lake. We are proud to share Haa Kusteeyí – our Tlingit ways – with you!
My name is Sam Johnston. I am the Ishkìtàn Clan Leader in Teslin. My Tlingit name is AnyaLahash. I have done many things in my life, being Chief of our First Nation, then elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly and serving as the first Native Speaker of a legislature in North America. I’ve worked with youth on sports, archery, storytelling and dancing – always encouraging them to get an education. I’ve travelled across the world but in my eyes nothing is more beautiful than my very own home of Teslin. I am often around the community and always up to sharing a story or two! Enjoy your visit.Elder Sam Johnson
A full-day fishing trip with a local, Indigenous expert fishing guide.
A half-day fishing trip with a local, Indigenous expert fishing guide.
Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association
1-1109 Front Street (White Pass Building)
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A-5G4
Phone 867.667.7698
Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
