Memorial to a Young Native

Memorial to a Young Native

Driving in the Kluane area of the Yukon we spotted this impressive memorial to this young man.
The stone reads:

Mbäyätâ

Hello All!

My name is Douglas Richard Twiss II a.k.a. “Dougie.”
Born in Whitehorse, I spent my first years with my
parents Joan Graham and Doug Twiss in Beaver Creek.
Thank you for bringing me into this world.

I am honored to be the big brother of Stephanie,
Cenjeya and Saanuwa and a proud father to my
beautiful baby girl, Kiara Ball. I love you all so much.

It is my privilege to be a Southern Tutchone man from
the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. My native
name is Mbäyätâ, which means “Sheep Daddy.” I am
an awesome stick gambler, playing the shooter in our
distinct family style with a powerful energy. One of
favourite memories is of drumming, singing, and
dancing with the Dakwakada Dancers.

The saying, “It takes a community to raise a child”
describes me well. I learned to love and respect the land
from the many horseback hunting trips with my father. I
gained traditional teachings from both Beaver Creek
and Burwash Landing Elders. I discovered friendship by
hanging out with my friends, laughing, joking, fighting,
playing, watching sports, and betting on my team
Go Tampa Bay Lightning!

My gratitude goes out to the Paul, Johnson, and
Wirth families for believing in me during my high
school years and to all my friends and loved ones,
especially Samantha, who helped me through my
trials and tribulations.

___Peace__

Dougie often said, “Follow your Dreams, Be Kind, and
Always Remember to Enjoy Everyday of your Life.”

This is a tribute to Douglas Richard Twiss II

We all love you

December 13, 1982 — June 3, 2005

The family thanks Kluane First Nation (KFN) for
providing their traditional land for this site and all
those who contributed to make this memorial.

Memorial to a Young Native belongs to the following groups:

Amazing Graves, Canadian Historical and Pioneer Sites, Pacific Northwest and Requiem Available for sale as

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