WHITEHORSE — The Government of Canada is investing $65,000 in the Teenage Life and Young Adults International Society (TELIYA) to support the Yukon African Music Festival. The festival takes place each February during Black History Month and brings together artists, youth, and community members through music, dance, and educational programs.
Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, announced the funding on behalf of Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, also attended to show support.
Funding Overview
TELIYA will receive:
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$40,000 from the Events component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program. This money will fund cultural activities and school programs about diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. It will also support workshops on African crafts and presentations highlighting Black Canadians’ contributions in the Yukon.
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$25,000 through the Development component of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. This funding will support music and dance performances from Guinea, South Africa, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, as well as artists from Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
Festival Highlights
The 13th Yukon African Music Festival runs February 6–7 at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre in Whitehorse. Featured performers include Juno Award winners Lorraine Klaasen and Alpha Yaya Diallo.
The festival celebrates Black History Month through workshops, performances, and community programs. It aims to strengthen community connections and promote intercultural understanding.
What Leaders Say
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Marc Miller: “We support events like this festival because they celebrate Black excellence and bring communities together through music and culture.”
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Randeep Sarai: “The festival strengthens inclusion and promotes equity, cultural exchange, and global partnerships.”
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Brendan Hanley: “TELIYA encourages learning and engagement, helping build a more inclusive Yukon for future generations.”
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Leonard Boniface, TELIYA President: “The festival is Northern Canada’s largest African cultural event. It features music, dance, crafts, cuisine, and school programs celebrating African culture.”
About TELIYA and Black History Month
Founded in 2010, TELIYA provides programs to empower youth and young adults to contribute to local and global development.
The 2026 Black History Month theme is 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries. This theme recognizes three decades of Black Canadian achievements.
Canada also supports the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, reaffirming recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent.
