Whitehorse Daily Star

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Photo by Whitehorse Star

A SPECIAL LIFE – Pearl Keenan celebrates her 95th birthday in October 2015 at Closeleigh Manor in Whitehorse. The beloved Teslin Tlingit Council elder died this week in Whitehorse at the age of 99.

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Photo by Whitehorse Star

VENERABLE YUKONERS – Pearl Keenan is seen in February 2016 with local artist Jim Robb. She was discussing her documents and photos from Teslin during an à la carte event held at the Yukon Archives. Keenan died this week at the age of 99.

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Photo by Whitehorse Star

SHARING A STORY – Pearl Keenan, seen at the age of 95 in June 2016, relates a story about the joy of hunting with respect for the land, and for what her elders had counselled long ago.

Elder remembered as a beloved role model

The Yukon’s premier and MP are remembering the life of Pearl Keenan,

By Whitehorse Star on January 30, 2020

The Yukon’s premier and MP are remembering the life of Pearl Keenan, a beloved Teslin Tlingit Council elder who died this week in Whitehorse at the age of 99.

She had lived her final years in a local care facility.

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Teslin Tlingit elder Pearl Keenan,” Premier Sandy Silver said Wednesday.

“Mrs. Keenan was a champion of the Tlingit language as well as traditional First Nations culture and knowledge.

“She was a passionate advocate of education committed to engaging youth and raising awareness of environmental issues,” Silver added.

“A dedicated volunteer and engaged Yukoner, Mrs. Keenan selflessly contributed her time, energy and wisdom to many important causes.”

Those included the Yukon Human Rights Commission, the Council of Yukon First Nations’ elder advisory committee, the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre and the First Nations Education Commission.

She was also named the ambassador for the Yukon pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver.

From 1993 to 2001, Keenan served as the chancellor of Yukon College.

She later became a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her work in education and the preservation and promotion of First Nations heritage.

:Pearl Keenan’s important contributions to our territory will continue to be felt for many generations, and all Yukoners are better off as a result of them,” Silver said.

“My colleagues and I send our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Keenan’s family and friends and the Teslin Tlingit Council.”

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell also commented on Keenan’s death.

“It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Teslin Tlingit elder Pearl Keenan,” he said.

“Pearl passed on a wealth of traditional experiences, stories, and culture, and will be irreplaceable.

“Over the years, she provided me with invaluable guidance on protocol and the proper way,” Bagnell added.

“She had a kind word for everyone, making every interaction with her a cheerful, uplifting experience. I am sure the great spirit will welcome her as kindly.”

Dave Keenan, a son of Pearl’s and a former NDP cabinet minister, could not be reached for comment. Nor could Richard Sidney, the chief of the Teslin Tlingit Council.

Peter Johnston, the grand chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations, declined to comment on the elder’s death.

Comments (4)

Up 16 Down 0

Anne Marie Sevic on Feb 1, 2020 at 11:19 pm

So sad to hear this...I thought she would last forever...as thanks for all the life energy she gave to her family...that would have reflected back to her!

Up 23 Down 4

Steven on Jan 31, 2020 at 5:28 pm

Goodnight, Pearl. We will all miss you.

(Also, how can anyone down-vote a message of condolence?!? What is wrong with you!??!)

Up 25 Down 4

Sho Sho Esquiro on Jan 30, 2020 at 9:47 pm

It's with a heavy heart reading this. What a beautiful spirit Pearl was, it was always a privilege to see her and be blessed with her smile. What a legacy she leaves for all of us. My deepest condolences to Pearls family and friends.

Up 42 Down 4

Groucho d'North on Jan 30, 2020 at 2:08 pm

Sad news indeed. I had the opportunity to work with Pearl over the years on some projects to celebrate aboriginal achievements. She was a tremendous help and much of our collective success was due to her wisdom and guidance. She was a lovely person too with a wonderful laugh. Condolences to her family and many friends.

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