Indigenous Voices

Richard Gordon – Inuk, Inuvialuit

Richard spends April to September in Qikiqtaruk-Herschel Island Park supervising a team of park rangers, supporting conservation and climate change work.

Yukon Parks is a PLT Canada Green Jobs employer.

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Richard’s story is included in A Guide to Green Jobs in Canada: Voices of Indigenous Professionals.

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RICHARD’S LOVE OF NATURE COMES FROM…

“As a young child, I travelled with my parents out on the land for subsistence harvesting. We needed to make sure we had enough food for the winter. I grew up in and around what is now Qikiqtaruk Island Park. There is a lot of oral history in my family celebrating our relationship with the land. The passion the Elders and my parents have shown for the land inspires me.”

RICHARD BECAME A PARK RANGER BECAUSE…

“I wanted a job that fit with my approach to the land and my culture. When I became a park ranger on Qikiqtaruk Island, it opened my eyes. An important part of my job is learning oral history from the Elders. I’m responsible for ensuring oral histories are shared in a respectful, culturally appropriate manner to positively influence management decisions in the park.”

TO RICHARD, BEING INDIGENOUS IN A GREEN JOB MEANS…

“As an Indigenous person, I see how much we need to continue programs that get people on the land. The land is where we came from. The only thing that changes is the legislation we manage it under. In my role, I can ensure that people, especially youth, are getting on the land. We involve all ages in the park. There is an Elder and youth program in the summer. Over two weeks, the youth get to share the Elders’ knowledge. The youth are passionate about protecting the land. We must engage them in planning.”

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Indigenous Voices