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Klondike Gold Rush Anniversary
June 13, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today recalled a colourful
saga of the Canadian North and signed a proclamation urging all
Canadians to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the discovery
that launched the Klondike Gold Rush.
"This discovery a hundred years ago represents a period of
pioneering achievement and romance in the history of Canada,"
said the Prime Minister. "Today is the 98th anniversary of
the Yukon as a territory and the ideal time to make this proclamation."
In August, 1896, prospectors "Skookum Jim", George Carmack
and "Dawson (Tagish) Charlie" discovered gold in Bonanza
Creek, sparking the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98 that drew fortune
seekers from around the world to the remote, northern mass of
Canada. Their adventures captured the world's imagination. The
discovery also changed the lives and cultures of First Nations
peoples. They participated in the Gold Rush and contributed to
the development of the Yukon.
The Gold Rush produced great feats in transportation, communications,
mining technology and other fields in a challenging environment
and within a very short period. The lure and lore of the Klondike
grew as its colourful characters, saloons, hotels, theatres and
dancehalls were immortalized by a league of writers, notably Robert
Service. This stimulated the tourism industry, and worldwide fascination
with the Canadian North.
The Prime Minister's proclamation, and the anniversary celebrations,
will enable Canadians, and visitors from around the world, to
leaf through a page in Canada's history and get the feeling of
how tough pioneers battled the elements and helped this country
to become what it is today.
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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