Festival Info

2023 Adäka Cultural Festival  

The Adäka Cultural Festival is delighted to return from June 29 to July 5, 2023 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Celebrate the unity of the Northern Dene Nations and Yukon First Nations! Join us at the 2023 Adäka Cultural Festival as these Nations come together to honour their cultures through art, music, stories, language, history, and more.

We look forward to coming into the light together in a safe and respectful way.

About the Festival

The Adäka Cultural Festival was launched in July 2011, with a mission to develop and deliver a world-class, iconic festival that showcases, celebrates, and fosters the development of Yukon’s diverse and distinctive First Nations arts and culture.

Adäka means “coming into the light” in the Southern Tutchone language. The Festival is committed to shining a light on the creative spirit of Yukon First Nations people, helping to preserve and revitalize our arts and culture, while inspiring artists and youth to take pride in their heritage and communities. With unique opportunities like Adäka our artists will undoubtedly continue to set new standards of quality and excellence in the arts and cultural sector!

The Festival Producer

The festival is administered by the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCT). YFNCT is a not-for-profit organization committed to growing, promoting and celebrating strong and sustainable Yukon First Nations arts, culture and tourism sectors.

The Festival Venue

We are proud to have the magnificent Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre as the home for the Festival. This cedar-clad, traditionally inspired building features high ceilings, excellent acoustics, a stunning view of the Yukon River, towering clay cliffs, and surrounding mountains.

The Festival Team

• Executive Director/Co-Producer
  Katie Johnson
• Manager of Arts/Co-Producer
  Erin Symington
• Performing Arts Coordinator 
  Kasey Rae Anderson
• Visual Arts Coordinator
  TBD
• Marketing Manager
  Pixie Ingram 
• Graphic Designer
  Mary Binsted Designs
• Sponsorship
  Kelly Proudfoot
• Finance Manager
  TBD  
• YFN Arts Manager/Artist Liason
  TBD
• Gallery Curator
  TBD
• Gallery Sales
  TBD
• Gallery Installation
  TBD
• Gallery Assistants
  TBD
• Travel Coordinator
  TBD
• Volunteer Coordinator
  TBD
• Production/Volunteer Assistant
  TBD
• Stage/Production Manager
  Kim Winniky
• Stage Assistant
  TBD
• Site Manager
  TBD
• Hospitality Coordinator
  TBD
• Artist Needs Coordinator
  TBD
• Sound and Lighting
  TBD
• Tent and Staging
  TBD
• Security
  TBD

Special thanks to YFNCT team members for year-round support of the Festival.

Special thanks to our Presenting Partner Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre for venue and program support.

The Festival office is located in the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association headquarters in the White Pass Building, at Front Street and Main Street in Whitehorse.