HOME OF THE SOUTHERN TUTCHONE PEOPLE

The region of present day Haines Junction is Southern Tutchone territory. For many thousands of years there were seasonal hunting and fishing camps in the area. It was a tenuous life and the location of camps fluctuated over this stretch of time with the ever-changing landscape.

"Dakwakada", a Southern Tutchone word meaning "high cache", was the original name for the site of Haines Junction. It was common for Southern Tutchone people to use raised log caches to store food year-round, or temporarily while they hunted and fished in an area.

This region was also an important travel and trade route for First Nations. Its proximity to the Chilkat Pass, one of only three passes that allowed travel between the coast and the interior, made for extensive use by coastal Tlingit and Southern Tutchone people; there were a number of trading settlements, and well-travelled trails led in all directions.

ANCIENT TRAVEL ROUTES BECOME ROADS - HAINES JUNCTION ESTABLISHED

The establishment of Haines Junction dates back to 1942 and the construction of the Alaska Highway during WWII. The following year a branch road was built from Haines, Alaska over Chilkat Pass to join the Alaska Highway. Portions of ancient travel routes became pioneer roads built for vehicle traffic. Situated at the junction of these two roads, Haines Junction was a construction camp and an important supply and service centre for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers building the highway.

HAINES JUNCTION BECOMES ADMINISTRATION CENTRE FOR A NATIONAL PARK

In the same year as the construction of the highway, the Kluane Game Sanctuary was established. In 1972 most of it was designated the Kluane National Park Reserve. The park is administered in Haines Junction and the community became the main staging area for trips into this amazing wilderness park.

THE COMMUNITY TODAY

Haines Junction has evolved from a construction camp and service centre into a global village of over 810 culturally diverse people. About half of our community are Champagne and Aishihik First Nations –Southern Tutchone people, whose main administration centre is located in the Village. First Nations continue to use the land in their traditional ways: hunting, trapping and fishing. They have also developed community investments in business, tourism and cultural ventures.

The rest of our residents are a mix of other Yukoners and people from across Canada, the U.S. and overseas who have chosen to make Haines Junction their home. Many made the choice because of the natural environment and have developed a strong sense of stewardship for the spectacular landscape at our doorstep.

Today our community boasts an excellent array of municipal facilities and services. These, along with local clubs and a variety of volunteer groups that promote cultural and recreational activities, enhance the spirit and character of our community.

YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION

Haines Junction continues to service Alaska Highway travellers but today it is also a year-round destination in its own right. Yukoners, Alaskans and visitors from around the world come to partake in wilderness, adventure and eco-tourism opportunities.