Sharon Kabanak, a member of the Kluane First Nation, is dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional practices she learned from her family, mentors, and elders. Through workshops held at the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Centre near Haines Junction, Yukon, she imparts her knowledge of traditional art and culture to children, families, visitors, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
During a recent workshop, Kabanak guided participants in creating necklaces and medicine bags using beads and plastic bone-shaped pieces inspired by traditional styles. Beyond crafting, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with the land through hands-on activities, highlighting the significance of respecting animals and natural resources.
Kabanak believes in passing down Indigenous teachings by providing younger generations with opportunities to observe and engage in traditional practices. She encourages a hands-on approach, emphasizing the value of learning through practical experience rather than relying solely on modern technology.
Her dedication to sharing Indigenous knowledge extends beyond generational transmission, as she views it as a means of fostering cultural exchange with individuals from various backgrounds. Participants in her workshops come from diverse regions, including Quebec, France, and the United States, each finding value in learning about traditional practices and their connections to nature.
Marilou Roy, a master’s student from Quebec studying wildlife in the Yukon, attests to the transformative impact of learning from Kabanak. Roy acknowledges how this experience has deepened her understanding of the interplay between wildlife, plants, people, and the boreal forest, enriching her research and perspective.
Ultimately, Kabanak’s goal is for the knowledge embedded in the crafts created during her workshops to endure beyond the physical objects themselves. She envisions a continuous cycle of sharing and learning within the community and with the land, ensuring that traditional wisdom is passed on from one individual to the next.