This summer, my family took a tour from Skagway, Alaska, and we crossed into the Yukon, which was definitely my favorite part of the trip. The wild beauty of the Yukon and our stop at Emerald Lake were stunning. The lake, with fireweed flowers scattered at the lookout, felt like an artist’s dream. According to the Tagish Nation, the Northern Lights rest in Emerald Lake during the summer, giving it those beautiful colors. The fireweed has a unique story too—it’s the first plant to return after a wildfire, emerging from the ashes. The photo I took of the lake and fireweed perfectly captured the wild beauty and resilience of untouched nature.

With deep gratitude and respect, I acknowledge that I am living on the unceded traditional territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation, which lies within the shared territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Musqueam, Qayqayt, Squamish, and Sto’:lo Nations.