Sharon Kabanak has inherited traditional wisdom from her mother, mentors, and elders and is committed to preserving this knowledge for future generations. As a member of the Kluane First Nation, she leads workshops at the Thechàl Dhâl’ Visitor Centre near Haines Junction, Yukon, where she imparts traditional art techniques and knowledge to a diverse audience, including children, families, and individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
During a recent workshop, Kabanak guided participants in creating necklaces and medicine bags using beads and plastic bone-shaped elements inspired by traditional designs. She emphasizes that the act of crafting with one’s hands is more than just a skill—it is a way to foster a deep connection to the land.
Drawing from her experiences with traditional foods, medicines, languages, and art, Kabanak highlights the importance of respecting animals and natural resources, teachings she received from mentors and elders in Alaska and her mother. She believes in passing on these lessons by providing younger generations with hands-on learning opportunities.
Kabanak encourages individuals to engage in traditional practices as a means of not only preserving cultural heritage but also fostering connections with people from diverse backgrounds. At a recent workshop, participants included researchers and students from Quebec, France, and the United States, reflecting the universal appeal of sharing knowledge through art and handcrafted objects.
One of the workshop attendees, Marilou Roy, a master’s student studying wildlife in the Yukon, expressed how learning from Kabanak has enhanced her understanding of the interconnectedness between wildlife, plants, and people in the boreal forest. The exchange of knowledge during these workshops has the potential to broaden perspectives and deepen appreciation for the natural world.
For Kabanak, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the knowledge shared during these workshops continues to be passed down through generations. While the physical creations like necklaces and medicine bags may eventually fade, she believes that the wisdom and traditions embedded within them have the power to endure and enrich both the community and the land.