Irene Smith, nee Broeren, Shantlän (1928 – 2010)
Irene Smith was born at Old Village/Broeren Village, on the east side of Lake Laberge, to parents Jim and Alice Broeren. Her ancestral roots were in the Daklawedi Eagle/Killer Whale Clan and she grew up there with her Chilkat Tlingit and Southern Tutchone relatives. Her grandmother Maggie Broeren Shawateen was central to grooming her as a future wife, mother, and fiend.1)
After her two oldest children were taken away to residential school, Irene moved to Whitehorse so this did not happen to her younger children. She taught them English so they would not be forced to lose their traditional language. Irene raised many foster children and adopted others in order to to supplement her income. She was good hunter, being an excellent shot, and she preserved meat and tanned her own hides. Her slippers were given as gifts to visiting dignitaries and she made clothing for other First Nations.2)
Irene served as a councillor for the Whitehorse Indian Band before land claims were settled. She met linguist John Ritter and became one of the first First Nation language instructors, working in Southern Tutchone with Florence McIntosh. She is remembered for the stories she loved to tell.3)
In 1973, Irene became a strong Christian in the Pentecostal and Annie and Johnny’s church.4)