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The Teslin Tlingit Council First Nations Peoples of Teslin

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 Tlingit name is Anyalahash

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

Things to do in Teslin

Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21, 2024

Haa Ḵusteey Celebration

Haa Ḵusteey Celebration

Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre

Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre

George Johnston Museum

George Johnston Museum

Full-Day Fishing Package

Full-Day Fishing Package

Starting from $800

A full-day fishing trip with a local, Indigenous expert fishing guide.

Half-Day Fishing Package

Half-Day Fishing Package

Starting from $400

A half-day fishing trip with a local, Indigenous expert fishing guide.

Artists in Teslin

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Minnie Clark

Photo of Lena Moon

Lena Moon

Points of interest in Teslin

  1. Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre - Engage in Inland Tlingit cultural programs year-round. Our artists produce exquisite beadwork, carvings and many other products available for purchase at the gift shop.
  2. George Johnston Museum - Explore our community history as told through Elder George Johnston’s photographs. Hear our stories about the Alaska Highway and other events from days gone by.
  3. Wildlife Gallery At The Yukon Motel - Embrace the chance to get up close to our wildlife big and small – in complete comfort and safety!
  4. George Johnston Trail - Stroll this delightful trail along the lake to see our evolving community. More adventurous hikers may want to explore the trails beyond town.
  5. Winter Sports And Minirendezvous - Our annual winter carnival is loads of fun for all ages, and our lake is a magnificent backdrop for skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling.

The Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting vibrant and sustainable arts/culture and tourism sectors.

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)