Commissioner of Yukon, Adeline Webber, as Chancellor of the Order of Yukon, presented the Order of Yukon to Yann Henry, Tim Koepke and David Stockdale on Jan. 13
Commissioner of Yukon, Adeline Webber, as Chancellor of the Order of Yukon, presented the Order of Yukon to Yann Herry, Tim Koepke and David Stockdale on Jan. 13
Three Yukoners have been selected as new recipients of the Order of Yukon. Yann Herry, Tim Koepke and David Stockdale were chosen from nominations submitted by the public, to the Advisory Council, and presented the honour by Commissioner of Yukon, Adeline Webber, in her capacity as Chancellor of the Order of Yukon.
“On behalf of all Yukoners, I congratulate Yann Herry, Tim Koepke and Dave Stockdale on their induction to the Order of Yukon,” Webber commented. “Their tireless work, exceptional contributions and countless hours of volunteerism have shaped the Yukon of today. Thank you to the members of the public who took the time to submit nominations for this award, and to the Advisory Council members for their work in selecting the inductees.”
The Order of Yukon recognizes Yukoners who have made remarkable contributions to the territory and its residents in social, arts, cultural or economic fields.
Yann Herry is known for his contributions to the development of Yukon Francophone history and heritage. According to the Government of Yukon, “his significant contribution to the vitality of the Franco-Yukon community serves as an inspiration for many.”
“It’s exciting and I’m very honoured by this recognition,” Herry told What’s Up Yukon. “It’s the recognition of over 40 years of community engagement to the Francophone community and also to the Yukon.”
Tim Koepke played a substantial role in land claims negotiations in the Yukon and has spent over 50 years raising awareness about the agreements. While Koepke is also honoured to be recognized for his work and dedication, he makes a point to mention that he did not work alone.
“It really is and was a team effort of so many committed Yukoners,” he said.
David Stockdale has promoted and championed the Yukon’s sports and athletic community for over 50 years. He was instrumental in the establishment of Sport Yukon, originally known as the Sports Federation, as well as the Arctic Winter Games, originally called the Northern Games. According to Stockdale, he still gets recognized by people on the street—even younger folks.
“It’s been a great experience; I’ve lived a really good life,” Stockdale told What’s Up Yukon. “This just puts the cap on it. As we say, it’s the icing on the cake.”
The 2023 Order of Yukon Inductees received their Order at the Commissioner’s Levee on Jan. 13 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse. Established in 2019, The Order of Yukon is the highest honour a Yukoner can receive, according to the Government of Yukon, and is equivalent to other similar national honours. To learn more about the Order of Yukon and find out how to write a nomination and see past winners, visit commissionerofyukon.ca/awards.
