Threads of Memory, Magic & Healing

Well now, grab your favorite knitted wool sweater, stoke up the fire in the woodstove, and pour yourself a big ol' mug of hot spiced cider! The golden leaves of autumn are dancing through the streets of Whitehorse, the crisp northern breeze is humming through the pine trees, and we can hardly believe how fast this year has flown by. Up here in the Yukon, late summer and early autumn bring a quiet, deeply reflective beauty to the landscape. The tundra turns to glowing shades of crimson and burnt orange, and the mountains wrap themselves in the first dusting of termination dust.

We’ve been buzzing with energy here at North End Gallery! It has been an absolute joy welcoming visitors from every corner of Canada, Alaska, and around the globe. Whether you stepped into our gallery to warm up after a brisk walk along the Yukon River or reached out from halfway across the world online, sharing our love for northern art with you is the absolute heart of what we do. And speak about a global community—did you know that our amazing staff can assist you in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, and Hindi depending on who's on shift? No matter where your journey began, our doors are wide open, and you are always family here.

This season, we are thrilled to bring you an incredible collection of new arrivals, rare traditional handcrafts, and powerful artistic legacies. From the timeless Tlingit copper designs of the late Mark Preston to the vanishing tradition of Dene moose hair tufting, let’s take a stroll together through our newest gallery features!

1. "Travellers of the Tundra" by Robbie Craig: A Northern Masterpiece

If you've ever stood on the vast, open tundra as autumn sweeps across the North, you know the feeling of quiet reverence that washes over you. Renowned northern artist Robbie Craig captures that exact magic in his stunning print, Travellers of the Tundra (12x15 Print).

Robbie’s bold, expressive line work and vibrant color palettes have made his art beloved across the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and beyond. In this gorgeous print, the rolling hills and sweeping horizons of the tundra come alive with dynamic motion and deep jewel tones. It serves as a breathtaking reminder of the wildlife migrations and eternal natural rhythms that define life in the North. Hanging this piece in your living room or cabin brings an instant burst of crisp, wild northern spirit right onto your walls!

Supporting Art & Fair-Trade Communities:

When you purchase artwork at North End Gallery, you aren't just decorating your home—you are directly supporting independent Canadian and Indigenous artists, as well as contributing to fair-trade, ethical international supply chains through our ongoing Ukrainian Artwork Fundraiser. Every piece carries a story of hope, resilience, and community support!

2. The Intricate Art of Moose Hair Tufting: Preserving a Precious Tradition

In a world of fast-paced, mass-produced decor, there is something deeply sacred about slowing down to admire a traditional craft that takes endless hours of patience, skill, and reverence for the land. We are profoundly honored to share our newest collection of Moose Hair Tufting!

Moose hair tufting is a distinctive Dene art form that requires meticulous preparation. Coarse, white guard hairs are carefully harvested from the hide of a moose, thoroughly cleaned, and dyed using natural or vibrant pigments. Small bundles of hair are then stitched onto tanned moosehide or velvet, wrapped tightly with thread, and sculpted with sharp shears into plush, three-dimensional floral, geometric, or animal shapes. Because fewer people practice this labor-intensive art today, authentic tufted pieces have become true heritage heirlooms.

New Arrivals from Karen Cumberland (Fort Liard, NWT)

We recently received a breathtaking new batch of tufted earrings crafted by master artist Karen Cumberland from Fort Liard, Northwest Territories! Karen’s work is legendary for its delicate precision, vibrant colors, and lightweight elegance. Wearing a pair of her earrings is like wearing a small, living piece of northern forest history on your shoulders.

Learn the Craft Yourself with Nancy Hager's DIY Tufting Kits!

Have you ever watched a master artisan at work and wished you could try your hand at traditional handcrafts? Yukon First Nations elder and respected teacher Nancy Hager has made that dream possible! Nancy has created comprehensive, easy-to-follow DIY kits designed to pass this ancestral knowledge down to the next generation.

• Moose Hair Tufting DIY Kit – Nancy Hager (Shop Now): Each kit includes all the authentic, high-quality materials you need—including prepared moose hair, backing material, needles, thread, and step-by-step instructions. It’s an unforgettable cultural learning experience for crafters, educators, and anyone wanting a hands-on connection to northern traditions.

3. The Artistic Legacy of Mark "Tenna Tsa Teh" Preston (1960–2021)

We are delighted to announce that framed canvases featuring the visionary work of the late Mark "Tenna Tsa Teh" Preston are officially back in stock at North End Gallery! Mark was an extraordinary artist whose work bridged ancient Northwest Coast symbolism with clean, modern minimalism in a way that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.

Born in 1960 in historic Dawson City, Yukon, and raised in Whitehorse, Mark was of Tlingit and Irish heritage. Though he studied at the prestigious ’Ksan Historical Machine & Art School in Hazelton, BC under master carvers and printmakers, and traveled extensively across Europe and North America to exhibit his creations, Mark’s heart and soul always belonged to the Yukon landscape.

"Tenna Tsa Teh" – Master of the Copper

Mark’s artist signature, Tenna Tsa Teh, translates to "Master of the Copper," referencing the traditional Tlingit copper shield—a symbol of immense prestige, wealth, and spiritual balance. Mark believed that art possessed a transcendent power to unite humanity across cultural divides. As Mark so eloquently reflected:

“When I think about what art is, it is more than illustrations or objects to be doted over. Art is magic, the glue that binds and brings us together. It is the language that transcends its forms. Art gives us reason to think, ponder and speak our minds.”

Explore Our Restocked Mark Preston Collection

(Note: We have also restocked framed canvases featuring beloved artists such as Richard Shorty alongside Indigenous artists from across Canada!)

4. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th): Honouring Every Child

As September draws to a close, Canadians across the nation gather to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, widely known as Orange Shirt Day. Initiated in 2013 by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, Orange Shirt Day is a solemn time to honor survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and affirm the vital truth that "Every Child Matters."

At North End Gallery, we respectfully acknowledge that our physical gallery operates on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. We honor their deep, ancestral connection to this land, water, and community since time immemorial, and we recognize the immense, ongoing contributions these self-governing First Nations make to our region.

Reflecting, Learning & Healing Together

Art has always been a powerful vehicle for storytelling, truth-telling, and cultural revitalization. It is our sincere wish that every individual and every child has the opportunity to live in a healthy, loving community, express their inherent creativity, and experience genuine support and healing. As we mark this important day, we invite our community—both local and global—to reflect on how we can actively build a future grounded in mutual respect, accountability, and harmony.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Yukon Art & Gallery Shopping

Q1: What is moose hair tufting and how is it made?

Answer: Moose hair tufting is a traditional Dene handcraft where stiff white moose guard hairs are dyed, stitched in tight bundles onto hide or velvet, and sculpted with sharp shears into 3D floral or wildlife shapes. It is a rare, labor-intensive art form.

Q2: Who was Mark "Tenna Tsa Teh" Preston?

Answer: Mark Preston (1960–2021) was an acclaimed Yukon artist of Tlingit and Irish descent, born in Dawson City. His artist name means "Master of the Copper." He studied at the 'Ksan school and was famous for combining traditional Tlingit formline motifs with contemporary, minimalist design.

Q3: How can I shop at North End Gallery if I don't live in the Yukon?

Answer: You can shop our complete collection online anytime! We offer worldwide shipping, personalized customer support, and even live video call consultations so you can view gallery items in real time from the comfort of your home.

Q4: Which First Nations territories is North End Gallery located on?

Answer: North End Gallery proudly operates within the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Bring Northern Magic into Your Home Today!

Whether you're stopping by our gallery downtown in Whitehorse or browsing our virtual shelves from afar, bringing a piece of Canadian artistry into your life supports local creators, preserves ancient traditions, and spreads hope and beauty across borders. Every piece in our collection has a story—and so do we. Thank you for being such an integral part of ours!

Need help finding the perfect gift or choosing the right framed canvas for your gallery wall? Give us a phone call or set up a virtual shopping session with our friendly team. And don't forget to follow our daily adventures on social media at @northendyukon on Instagram and @NorthEndGallery on Facebook!

With deep gratitude and warm northern wishes,

The NEG Team