The Yukon government and the Yukon Historical and Museums Association (YHMA) have partnered to offer the Yukon 125 Fund to help tell Yukon stories from all perspectives as the territory marks its 125th birthday next month.

“Integral to commemorating Yukon 125 is ensuring everyone sees themselves in Yukon history and understands its creation and evolution far beyond the scope of a federal marker,” the government and YHMA said in a statement this week.

The fund aims to support community-led initiatives and activities that promote a sense of pride in the Yukon while encouraging critical analysis and reflection of the complete history.

The Yukon 125 Fund makes $400,000 available to First Nation governments and municipalities (which automatically qualify for funding), as well as community organizations, clubs, boards and committees in support of commemorative projects, events and activities.

Each successful applicant is eligible to receive up to $7,500, it was announced last month.

The application period is open for projects between June 1 and Oct. 31.

Application forms and complete guidelines are available at https://heritageyukon.ca/yukon-125 or by contacting the YHMA at 332-4979 or yukon125@heritageyukon.ca

“As we celebrate the significant milestone of the Yukon’s 125th anniversary, we are fortunate to have the expertise and resources of the Yukon Historical and Museums Association to administer this funding opportunity,” said Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker.

“It is a privilege to observe and take part in the diverse perspectives on the Yukon’s past, present, and future, made possible through the Yukon 125 Fund.”

YHMA president Janna Swales said the organization “is honoured to be administering the Yukon 125 Fund.

“Yukon 125 calls on us to use the knowledge of the Yukon’s past – beginning millennia before 1898 and continuing to the present – to build a stronger future.

“Our hope is that Yukon 125 projects and events not only serve as an invitation to engage with our Yukon history, but also as a call to action for us to act with vision, creativity and purpose in the coming years,” Swales added.

Established in 1977, the YHMA is a registered charity that works to strengthen heritage in the Yukon through leadership, advocacy and education.

The Yukon joined Confederation on June 13, 1898.