The brief biographies below were published by the Government of Yukon when the awards were announced, and the photographs were posted on the Commissioner's Facebook page.
Joseph Rudolphe (Rudy) Couture
Joseph Rudolphe (Rudy) Couture has been a tireless volunteer, a source of wisdom and guidance to countless Yukoners and a beacon of kindness and integrity. Alongside his late wife, Janet, Rudy designed and created the Yukon Tartan, a lasting symbol of the Yukon's identity and heritage. Rudy's dedication to the Yukon Order of Pioneers and the Knights of Columbus underscores his lifelong service to the community.
The Yukon News added: "Sitting in the front row before the event began, Couture told the News it was difficult to describe how he was feeling.
'I never thought this would ever happen. And so there it is,' laughed Couture, who was accompanied by his daughters. He said the attention he has been getting is 'terrific,' however.
Couture was inducted on account of his part in creating the Yukon Tartan with his late wife, Janet. He was also recognized for his community work with the Knights of Columbus and the Yukon Order of Pioneers.
Upon receiving the Order of Yukon, Couture told the audience that marrying his wife Janet and moving to the Yukon in 1954 were the best decisions of his life."
Nesta Leduc
Dr. Nesta Leduc has paved the way for female professionals in medicine as the Yukon's first female physician. She has fostered a welcoming and safe environment in the medical field, mentoring a foreign-trained physician to become licensed in the Yukon. Beyond her contributions to health care, Nesta has been a role model for seniors, promoting active living and providing invaluable support to ElderActive.
The Yukon News added: "Nesta Leduc was also inducted into the Order of the Yukon. She was the first female doctor in the territory. As a senior, she has won medals at the World Masters Championships for orienteering.
Originally from the U.K., Leduc expected her time in Canada to be confined to year for more training before moving further, to New Zealand. Having attended medical school in Scotland, Leduc landed in Vancouver - a location she said she chose because of the beaches there. Fate had other plans in mind, and Leduc found herself working in the Yukon.
With the shortage of doctors in the territory, she was allowed to practice without her license when the chief medical officer declared a medical emergency after a Saturday morning beer with the one other practising doctor. Leduc told the laughing audience it was a confession she's rarely made. She did, of course, eventually gain her Canadian medical licence.
She told the News before the ceremony that she was one of only two doctors in the territory in her early days. She and the other doctor would work every other night, so there was always at least one doctor on at a time.
'Like so many people who are here now, I came up for six weeks and fell in love with the country and hope to finish my days here,' Leduc said in her acceptance speech."
Mary Sloan
Mary Sloan has left a lasting mark on arts education and the theatre community in the Yukon. Even in retirement, her dedication continues as she mentors, acts and supports youth in the arts. Mary has extended her compassion to hospice care, further enriching her community. A true ambassador of the arts, Mary's legacy inspires countless individuals.
The Yukon News added: "Mary Sloan was also honoured for her contributions to theatre in the territory.
Sloan told the News in a phone interview on Dec. 30, 2024 that she and her family initially moved to Pelly Crossing in 1979 where she worked as a teacher. She was initially from Michigan.
After two years in Pelly Crossing, they moved to Watson Lake, where Sloan helped to run theatre-based after school programs.
'I had a mime group called Mime Time, and we got jackets with Mime Time on the back, and we went to Expo '86 in Vancouver and performed outside the Yukon pavilion,' Sloan said. One of the people who nominated her for the Order of Yukon was a former student from her time in Watson Lake, she said. She said she also produced everything from plays to medieval banquets in Watson Lake, and called the town an 'amazing place.'
Sloan finally came to Whitehorse, where she's been involved with the Golden Horn Musical Theatre, the Yukon Arts Centre, the Whitehorse Drama Club, the Guild, Theatre Nakai and Gwaandak Theatre, among others.
Sloan was also honoured for work with hospice care in the Yukon.
In her speech at the Commissioner's Levee, Sloan thanked the welcoming people of Pelly Crossing, the 'crazy' people of Watson Lake, and the wonderful people of Whitehorse.
'We are so blessed and so lucky. And I am so grateful. Thank you,' she said."
