Yukon who is who

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Ukjese van Kampen (b. 1959)
	
Dr. Ukjese van Kampen was born in Whitehorse as Neil Eugene Smith. His grandmother recognized him as the reincarnation of her second husband and named him Ukjese. To honour his First Nation matrilineal heritage, Ukjese took the surname of his Dutch wife.((Ukjese van Kampen, “Renewing the cultural identity of Canadian Indians.” Dissertation for Universiteit Leiden, 2014.)) Ukjese is Northern Tutchone, Wolf Clan, and a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.((//Dr. Ukjese van Kampen: 2018/2021 Shakaat Artist-in-Residence.// Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, 2024 website: Shakaat Artist-in-Residence: Dr. Ukjese van Kampen - Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (kwanlindunculturalcentre.com))
	
Ukjese attended the residential school in Whitehorse. He joined the Canadian Army in 1977 and later served in the Canadian Airborne Regiment. He was away from the Yukon from 1977 to 1980. In 1982 he joined the United States Marines Corp and served in active duty until 1985. A news article proclaimed him Tlingit, and his mother wrote to say he was Northern Tutchone which was a major surprise to him. He went on a search for Tutchone art and found that it meant Athapaskan art. The Inland Tlingit adopted some of the interior lifestyle and so it could be included.((Ukjese van Kampen, "History of Yukon First Nation Art", PhD thesis, Leiden University, 2012: 408.))
	
Dr. van Kampen has a BA in Fine Art, an MA in Cultural Studies, and two PhDs focused on the history of First Nations art. His art can be found in collections around the world. He is active as a curator on many Yukon projects.((“Dän Ghàájenamán Dáta: Our people’s art, paintings, drawings and carvings.” Da Kų Cultural Centre, nd.))