Arthur “Archie” Roberts, Ch'ezhan tsul (1926 – 1997)
Archie Roberts was born in Dawson to Dave and Magdalene Wood Roberts. He was the second eldest of twelve siblings. He was raised at Moosehide and was a dancer as a young child. The elders gave him the name “Ch'ezhan Tsul,” meaning “baby Eagle”, because he had the movement of an eagle when he danced. Archie attended school at Moosehide before moving to town with his aunt and uncle to attend the public school. Archie’s experience with the old ways allowed him to share the songs and dances of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. He also played the fiddle.1)
Roberts got a job when he was fourteen unloading and loading barges at the Dawson steamboat dock. Over the years he trapped with his father, fished, worked at slashing and surveying, was employed by British Yukon Navigation-White Pass, Proctor Construction, Parks Canada and at many other odd jobs.2)
Roberts joined the P.C.M. Rangers (home defence) during the Second World War. He was one of the many who surrendered his legal First Nation identity in order to serve his country but never seemed to regret it. He was very proud of the new local Rangers and was a member of both the local Legion and the Yukon Order of Pioneers. He played hockey for the Cheechakos team as a goalie. In 1956, he received the Rookie of the Year award.3)
In the early years Roberts was an inspirational band council member. He volunteered at the Moosehide Youth Camp where he told stories, played games, and helped in the kitchen with endless energy.4)
Archie Roberts received the “Elder of the Year” award in 1987 and another later on. In 1993, he helped to revive the gatherings at Moosehide. Archie was one of the strongest to say that the gatherings had to be about more than the concerns of the day. He believed that one had to learn their language, songs, and dances and to be proud of who you are before you can negotiate for land claims and economic development. He led the singing and it opened a lot of people’s eyes. He was one of the holders of the Raven song to greet people. At the opening of the third Moosehide Gathering there was over 350 members singing. He loved children and was often seen at the daycare and many Moosehide events. He will always be remembered for his generous contributions and the twinkle in his eye. Archie’s funeral service was conducted in a mixture of languages - English, Hän, and Tukudh [Gwich’in] - with singing and prayers in all three languages. Many of those who attended said it was one of the nicest and most moving cross-cultural events they had attended.5)