On a crisp, sunny January day in Whitehorse, Carissa Waugh (Ékè Éwe) collaborated with CBC’s Creator Network and CBC North to document her journey. This project marks the beginning of a series showcasing Indigenous women reconnecting with the evolving landscape through beadwork and hide tanning.
When the salmon runs dwindled, Carissa Waugh turned to beading as a means of advocacy. Under her Northern Tutchone name, Ékè Éwe, which translates to “caribou hoof noise,” Waugh expressed her desire to be a voice for the voiceless salmon population.
Her latest artistic endeavor, Atsua Ku, pays homage to her late grandmother’s camp along the Yukon River. Growing up, Waugh spent summers at this camp, deeply immersed in the chinook salmon season. As a member of Kwanlin Dün First Nation (Crow Clan) and Taku River Tlingit First Nation (Dog Salmon Clan), Waugh’s family made the difficult decision to cease fishing when Yukon River salmon numbers plummeted years ago.
While Yukon River chinook populations have shown some signs of recovery, the species continues to face challenges primarily due to climate change. The significance of “grandma’s camp” at Atsua Ku lies in its embodiment of ancestral wisdom and customs.
Through her artivism, a fusion of art and activism, Waugh found solace in crafting salmon pins adorned with vibrant colors. These unique creations resonated with supporters, propelling her message of environmental stewardship and cultural reconnection through beadwork and storytelling.
Participating in the Reconnection Vision initiative as a Fellow empowered Waugh to advocate for climate action within Yukon First Nations communities. Her impactful artwork has taken her to global climate forums, where she uses beadwork to decolonize spaces and advocate for Indigenous youth empowerment.
Atsua Ku, a culmination of Waugh’s artistic residency at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, symbolizes her familial ties and commitment to future generations. This poignant artwork, showcased during discussions on granting legal personhood to the Yukon River, underscores Waugh’s dedication to preserving traditional values and protecting the environment.
Carissa Waugh’s narrative, captured in a short film by Ptarmigan Creative and CBC Creator Network, encapsulates her mission to bridge the gap between humans and salmon, ensuring that these vital creatures are revered beyond their role as a food source. Her hope is that society recognizes the mutual care and respect essential for sustaining this delicate ecosystem.