Documenting the Ice Patch

Meaning and Memory in Yukon Ice Patches is a new photography exhibition documenting Yukon’s internationally recognized ice patch research project that is giving visitors to Haa Shagóon Hídi a rare look at the intersection of archaeology, Indigenous knowledge, landscape and living culture.

Photographer Taylor Roades worked in collaboration with Yukon government archaeologist Christian Thomas, travelling with members of six Yukon First Nations to document their research. The exhibition features 22 photographs capturing the people, places, artifacts and wildlife connected to the ice patch monitoring.

The monitoring program began in 1997. Among the discoveries are rare hunting weapons, including a 6,000-year-old atlatl dart—the only known example of its kind in the world—as well as intricately carved antler foreshafts dating between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. The artifacts reveal not only ancient hunting technology but also artistic expression and craftsmanship preserved by the ice.

The exhibition also documents the people behind the project. Roades photographed landscapes, archaeologists, First Nations knowledge holders, Land Guardians and community members whose ongoing stewardship continues to shape the research. Each image was selected for both its storytelling and artistic qualities from thousands of photographs taken during the project.

The exhibition includes images of Carcross/Tagish First Nation Citizens, as well as Citizens of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, Teslin Tlingit Council and Kluane First Nation. Featured Carcross/Tagish First Nation participants include Donna Wolfe, Sean McDougall and Keith Wolfe Smarch.

Designed as an immersive experience, the exhibition is arranged in a circular path that encourages visitors to move through the photographs as though travelling across the mountains. Visitors can also view original some of the ice patch artifacts from Carcross/Tagish First Nation territory displayed alongside the photographs (as part of Haa Shagóon Hídi’s permanent collection).

The exhibition is on display until July 30 before travelling to Teslin in August, with additional stops in Whitehorse and Haines Junction being explored.

The project was funded through the Trebek Initiative, a grant-making partnership between the National Geographic Society and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society named in honour of the late Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek.