Burwash Landing, Yukon, is a small community steeped in history and culture. Nestled at historical mile 1093 on the Alaska Highway, this Canadian gem is situated along the southern shore of Kluane Lake. The community's rich history, unique geography, and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Yukon.
The Southern Tutchone Athabascans first used the present location of Burwash Landing as a summer camp. In the early 1900s, the Jacquot brothers established a trading post, marking the beginning of the community's development. Today, the majority of the population are Aboriginal peoples, primarily from the First Nations. The community serves as the administrative centre of the Kluane First Nation. In addition to the Alaska Highway, the community is accessible via the Burwash Airport.
Burwash Landing is located 2,647 ft (807 m) above sea level at the airport. The elevation varies across the area, with some places higher and others lower. The community sits on the northwest shore of Kluane Lake, along the Historic Milepost 1093 Alaska (Alcan) Highway. Several prominent geographic features have been renamed in the Southern Tutchone language, reflecting the community's rich cultural heritage.
The climate in Burwash Landing is typically subarctic (Köppen climate classification Dfc), bordering on a dry-winter subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification Dwc). The community holds the record for the warmest temperature ever recorded in Yukon in January at 16.5 °C (61.7 °F), set on January 24, 2014.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Burwash Landing had a population of 64 living in 44 of its 52 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -11.1% from its 2016 population of 72. With a land area of 30.44 km2 (11.75 sq mi), the population density was 2.1/km2 (5.4/sq mi) in 2021.
Burwash Landing is the traditional home of the Southern Tutchone Athabascans. A revival of the Southern Tutchone language and culture is evident in this quiet lakeside community. Visitors are greeted with Southern Tutchone street and traffic signs within and nearby Burwash Landing. Several prominent geographic features have been renamed in Southern Tutchone, further emphasizing the community's cultural heritage.
Burwash Landing is renowned for its black spruce burls. These unique formations start as an irritation in the spruce, with the tree sending extra sap as a healing agent, creating a growth or burl. Burls can be "green," harvested from live trees in the spring, or "dry burls," taken from dead burl trees. These burls are used in their natural form as fenceposts or shaped and finished into a variety of objects, such as bowls. Visitors can see rows of "burly logs" on Burlbilly Hill at Milepost 1061.6.
In conclusion, Burwash Landing, Yukon, is a community rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its unique geography and climate to its vibrant Southern Tutchone culture and unique burls, this community offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Yukon.
