Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation's Hän language becoming part of everyday life in Dawson City, Yukon

In Dawson City, Yukon, the Hän language isn't just being revitalized, it's becoming a part of everyday life.

Over the past few years, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation's traditional language has been put on stop signs, street signs, and buildings around town, including the Robert Service School, KIAC (Klondike Institute of Art and Culture), and the many buildings owned and operated by the First Nation.

Now, a local grocery store in Dawson is following suit and incorporating the Hän language into its business.

Nathan Naherniak, manager of Bonanza Market, said the store was undergoing renovations and he saw an opportunity to be creative while doing something meaningful for the community.

"I recognized the importance of the Hän language here in the community, noticing the stop signs being put up this past summer," Naherniak said. "It's something I thought we needed to do."

Each of the store's departments, such as the deli counter, fresh produce aisle, and the health and beauty section, are now identified by Hän and English signs.

The new look has only been up for a short time but Naherniak said the feedback he is getting has been heartwarming.

"Especially from the elders," Naherniak said. "I've had a couple people tell me that their grandmothers would be crying if they seen the language right now and how much it would mean to them."

Another proud Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizen is Erika Scheffen.

As one of the town's Hän language teachers, Scheffen was asked to help translate the signs for this project.

"I purposely got my mom to pick me up to bring me to the grocery store and then I ran around the whole store showing her where all my Hän language was," Scheffen said. "I told her how to say it in Hän and then I told her the English translation for it."

Scheffen said translating English words into Hän isn't as straightforward as one might think. She used the deli section — nëląy dënit'ä — as an example.

"Nëląy translates to meat, and dënit'ä means 'I am cutting.' So, 'I'm cutting meat,'" she explained.

Scheffen pointed to some of the other signs around the store: mä̀' chù', for dairy; ch'òndèy for medicine; and chu dhëkąy, for drinks, or "sweet water."

Scheffen said language is the backbone of any culture, especially for First Nations people. She said what is happening in Dawson City right now is a perfect example of how language can be revitalized, and thrive when the community comes together to support the process.

"I feel so proud and honoured to be speaking this language," Scheffen said. "It makes me feel super whole, and it makes me feel like a true Hän person, and a true Hän woman."