Bobbi Rose Koe
Bobbi Rose Koe was born in Fort McPherson and now lives in Whitehorse. She was raised by her grandparents where she learned how people and the environment can complement one another. She joined the 2007 Students on Ice Arctic Expedition where she received formal leadership training. In 2015, she and other youths created Youth of the Peel while on a youth leadership trip on the Peel River. In 2020, she won an alumni inspiration award from the Students on Ice Foundation. In 2021, Koe founded her own outfitting company, Dinji Zhuh, and guides Gwich’in youth on river trips to teach cultural connections and foster river advocates. She teaches that we have to take responsibility and speak for the land because it is asking for help. Bobbi Rose Koe was presented with the 2021 Canadian River Heritage Award for promoting Teetl’it Gwich’in traditional ties to the Pell River watershed.1)