Brandon Kyikavichik

Host

Brandon Kyikavichik is a dedicated cultural historian, storyteller, and language revitalizer from Old Crow, a small, remote village in northern Yukon situated along the Porcupine River. Old Crow has historically relied on caribou for survival, and its isolation preserved much of its traditional way of life until the 1960s, when the influence of residential schools and government policies began to reach the community.

Brandon was profoundly shaped by his grandfather, John Kyikavichik, who taught him traditional skills and shared stories of their Gwich’in heritage. His early years were spent learning survival techniques in the bush, often accompanying his grandfather on long, remote expeditions where they would live off the land. These formative experiences instilled in Brandon a deep respect for his culture and an enduring curiosity about his people’s history.

A pivotal moment in Brandon’s life came when he discovered a book of articles by Edith Josie, a prominent writer from Old Crow who documented local life in her column Here Are the News. Seeing photos and stories of Old Crow’s Elders sparked Brandon’s passion for preserving Gwich’in language, history, and culture. At just 12 years old, he resolved to learn his language and delve into his people’s history, a decision that set the course for his life’s work.

Brandon’s journey was not without struggles. After losing his grandfather, he experienced depression and contemplated suicide. A call from a community leader offering him a heritage position provided a turning point. His reputation for hard work and his deep connection to the land made him a natural fit for cultural preservation projects. He began by working at the Cultural Center in Old Crow and later he transitioned to focus exclusively on translating traditional stories and exploring pre-Christian Gwich’in culture.

Through meticulous research into historical records, ethnographies, and oral histories, Brandon has pieced together a detailed understanding of Gwich’in traditions before colonial influences. Collaborating with fluent speakers and Elders, he has worked to preserve and translate stories that reveal insights into his people’s way of life. His efforts include mastering the Gwich’in orthography, translating pre-contact stories, and applying linguistic principles to revitalize the language.

Brandon’s work underscores the complexity of cultural preservation, particularly in translating stories whose meanings are deeply rooted in historical contexts that modern Gwich’in people may not fully understand. Despite these challenges, he is reclaiming and sharing the knowledge of his ancestors, blending rigorous scholarship with personal dedication.

Brandon continues to be a passionate advocate for Gwich’in language and culture, inspiring others to connect with their heritage and ensuring that the rich history of Old Crow and its people is not lost to time.