James Allen, Jamena
Jamena James Allen is Southern Tutchone and a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation (CAFN). In the 1970s he worked as a Native Employment Officer for Cyprus Anvil Mines, an Assistant Resource Management Officer with Yukon Lands and Forest Services, and a Northern Careers Counsellor with the federal government. Mr. Allen is an electrician who trained as a controls technician with Nova Gas Pipelines in the 1980s.1)
James Allen has been involved in Indigenous politics and issues since 1986. He is a former Dän nätthe (chief), Dän nätthe dätth i (councillor), and an Agunda (Wolf) clan citizen of Shadäla yè Äshèyi Kwädän (CAFN).(Patrick Egwu, “Yukon University announces appointments.” Yukon News (Whitehorse), 12 April 2023.) He was one of the Vice-Chiefs of the Council of Yukon First Nations.2) In April 2023, Jamena James Allen was reappointed as the chancellor Yukon University. The chancellor is appointed by the University Board as a bridge between the university and the broader community and is responsible for conferring credentials on each graduating student. Allen is known for his strong commitment to improving the experience and outcomes for Yukon University students.3)
Allen is the owner of Tutchone Resources which specializes in traditional knowledge research and policy development, culture camps, healing camps and five-year capital plans.4) The Shakat Tun Wilderness Camp, owned by James Allen and his wife Barbara, is located on a trap line owned by the Allen family for generations. The camp provides cultural activities and specializes in guided walks and fishing excursions on Kluane Lake. Barbara is Hän Hwëch’in and a citizen of CAFN. She is an expert working with hides, sewing and beading and provides instruction on making medicine bags and traditional drums.5)