Percy Henry remembered as tireless advocate for the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin

Percy Henry, a beloved elder and former chief of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation, is being remembered as a strong leader of his community, a champion of the Hän language, and a "fountain of information" about his land and culture.

Henry died on Saturday in Dawson City, Yukon. He's believed to have been 96 years old, though his exact birth date is not known.  

"They don't really know how old Percy is because he was born in the bush," said Henry's friend, Georgette McLeod. "He didn't really know either, so they decided on 1927."

McLeod became close to Henry as they worked together over the years on Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in heritage projects.

"I've known Percy all my life," said McLeod "He's been a mentor, a teacher, a friend … he was a fountain of information when it came to his country. He was so rich in his stories, his experiences." 

Over the course of his life, Henry spent many years on the land as a trapper. He also worked in a sawmill, as a ferry captain, on highways, and was chief of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation from 1968 to 1984.

In 1973, he was part of a historic delegation of Yukon chiefs who went to Ottawa to present the groundbreaking Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow document to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. That document would lay the foundation for the first contemporary treaties in Canadian history. 

"At a time when things were really tough in the community, and he was having his own struggles, he was always trying to see the good in things and bring people together," said McLeod. 

"He was really good in that way… he moved people."

Henry also led his community through a tumultuous and ultimately triumphant moment in its history: the beginning of the land claim process for the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin. 

Gerald Roger Isaac is the grandson of Chief Isaac, who led the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in through the complex and difficult impacts of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896. He calls Percy Henry a close friend, and says he deeply respects what Henry accomplished as a leader – notably, setting in motion the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin final agreement. 

"In that regard, he made a significant contribution in all aspects of governance," said Isaac. "Children attending school, family affairs, medical services, influence of traditional culture and teachings."

Isaac remembers Henry teaching generations how to live off the land and catch the salmon that came up the Yukon River.

Henry remained active in politics after stepping down as a leader, often participating as an elder representative for the Council of Yukon First Nations and other Yukon committees and councils. 

Later in life, he became known for his work to help preserve and pass on the Hän language. 

He first became immersed in the language during his time working at the sawmill — a co-worker was a speaker. Already fluent in Gwich'in and English, Henry used his new ability to connect with elders in the Moosehide village near Dawson, and learn their stories. 

Towards the end of his life, when he was one of the last fluent Hän speakers in the community, he devoted his time to teaching and recording hundreds of hours of tape to be used by future generations.

McLeod remembers this as a difficult time for Henry.

"So many elders had passed in such a short span of time that he didn't really have anyone to talk to," she said. "We had a hard time carrying on a conversation because he knew so much language that we didn't quite understand everything that he shared with us." 

Nevertheless, McLeod said, Henry was incredibly patient during these sessions and gave endless hours of his time. 

In 2021, McLeod and Henry collaborated on a children's book written in Hän. Shëtsey (or, My Grandpa) was written in honour of Henry, with illustrations based on real photos of him with his family. 

"The contribution is innumerable and the consequences will be felt for a long time to come," said Isaac, about Henry's death.

"[His work] to instill the preservation of the language and the custom and the culture of our people… it's all very much alive as a result of his efforts."

Henry served his community, Isaac says, right up to the end of his life. 

"Up to the last breath," he said. 

In 2013, Henry received an honourary diploma in Northern Studies from Yukon University, and in 2019, was awarded with the Order of Yukon.

"Mr. Henry was a true Dawson legend," said Yukon Premier Ranj Pillar in a statement Monday. "His important legacy lives on through the many lives he touched."

McLeod said she will remember Henry's humour, his love of thrift shopping and dancing, and the warm way he would always greet people with a handshake or a hug. 

She encouraged Yukoners to continue to learn from his example. 

A service for Henry will be held at 2 p.m. on April 13 in Dawson. A potlatch with opportunity to share stories, prayers, and songs will be held at Äłät Nëhëjël-TH Community Hall the same day at 5 p.m.