A group of Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizens gathered at the Dänojà Zho Cultural Centre in Dawson City, Yukon last week to discuss the future of the territory's oldest town - the Forty Mile historic town site. Last spring the site was nearly destroyed after ice jammed up at the confluence of Fortymile River and Yukon River causing water and ice to flood the area. The flood moved buildings off their foundations, and knocked over anything it its path.
Debbie Nagano, director of heritage for the Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation, said community members are eager to participate in the restoration. "It's been a year since the flood happened," said Nagano, whose department co-manages the Forty Mile town site with the Yukon Government. "In that year though, the community spoke up and they want to help out any way they could to try and rebuild it.
"Restoring the site is a task easier said than done as it's still not safe to access, Nagano said. 'Like a washing machine': 2023 flood swept away 3 buildings at Yukon's oldest townsite, damaged several more Oldest town in Yukon almost wiped out by ice jams and flooding That's why the First Nation, and the Yukon Government hired assessors to look at the site and create a plan on how to proceed. "It's a big job," she said.
"It's going to happen slow. It's just the access of it. Getting that much equipment down there.
We've got slews to cross and bridges and trails to break open, and clear. It's just unreal how the trees have grown. They're as h.
