b'MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEFMESSAGE FROMTHE REGIONAL CHIEFFOR THE YUKONKluane AdamekD nnche!of the Assembly ofKluane Adamek the 2019 Heritage Yukon award for On behalf Outstanding Contribution to Yukon First Nations Yukon Region,Heritage for their project Ndoo please allow me to expressAFN Regional Chief, YukonTreedyaa Gogwaandak (Forward my gratitude in The Circle magazine for21662nd AvenueTogether): Vuntut Gwitchin Stories. the work it has done to unite our regionsWhitehorse, YKY1A 4P1The project celebrates Gwichin and share information for the past twoEmail: KAdamek@afn.castorytelling tradition and Indigenous years. I look forward to the next step inPh: 867-393-9227language revitalization through the collaboration and information betweenFax: 867-668-6577 production of a series of radio plays.our regions! Finally, a special acknowledgement to It is fitting that this last issue focuses onof kindness over the past spring andall the 2020 Graduates. Congratulations volunteerism and the message of hopesummer that inspire me every day. to you all. This class is the epitome and inspiration volunteers provide to ourWe are fortunate to have some award- of resilience, and that resiliency and communities. As we know, leadershipwinning volunteerism in the Yukon, asleadership is everything we need right is more than a title or roleit is aboutwell. Particular congratulations go now. As the world remains embroiled who you are and how you show up. Iout to: in challenges and we continue to push draw inspiration from my communityforward in this new rhythm, this is their members who are doing the heavy liftingGeorge Skookum, who was awarded moment to continue to carve a path on the ground. Showing up for ourthe Commissioners Award by theforward and model leadership for us all.neighbours is an inherent part of who weCommissioner of Yukon for his are as First Nations, and it is a privilegevolunteer service during the NationalAll these examplesfrom award winners to witness as a fellow leader and a citizen. Aboriginal Hockey Championshipsto the unsung heroes of our communities During the challenging times we arethat took place in Whitehorse in embody the true spirit and leadership navigating through the COVID-19May 2019. George has a long historyof #AYukonThatLeads. We continue to pandemic, volunteering has taken onof volunteering for youth sports,forge a path through to the new normal an even broader definition. Right now,including as a coach and volunteerin the midst of the pandemic, and it volunteering is taking place in formalboard member for multiple sportsremains critical that we are mindful volunteer programs across our territories,organizations. and aware of our physical and mental but it is also happening in the countlessSommer Rose Mervyn, who washealth. We are all experiencing thesesmall acts of kindness that happen everyawarded the Skookum Jim Friendshipcircumstances in different ways, and I day. Whether its sharing harvests withCentre Award for outstandingwant to urge everyone to take advantage neighbours who are at risk for infection,volunteerism in her community. of the supports available in your providing childcare for a family membercommunity.or friend or simply spending timeCole Elise, who was awarded the Sandi listening and connecting, I commendGleason Memorial Award for a highGunalchesh (thank you) and Daknut everyone who has volunteered their ownschool graduate who plays hockey andj (take care)!time to help someone during this difficultshows leadership both on and off the ice. Kluane Adamek pandemic. Leadership is about showingThe Gwaandak Theatre and VuntutRegional Chief for Yukonup, and I have witnessed countless actsGwitchin Government, who receivedAssembly of First Nations36 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'