Deborah Baerg - Kookhíttaan 

Deborah Baerg is a member of the Kookhíttaan clan and given her Lingít name Shayawdustee by her clan mother; the late Hazel Ward who adopted her and siblings in June of 2008. Deborah is the youngest of seven children and her late father was Ḵeedudaa Stanley James Sr. a respected member of the Daḵl’aweidí clan and past Chief for Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Deborah’s late Mother was Ethelene Rose James nee Morrison who was of Cree and Assinaboine decent from the Kahkewistahaw reserve in Saskatchewan.

Deborah was born in Regina, Saskatchewan however her family moved from Saskatchewan back to Carcross, Yukon when she was a baby. As a young child Deborah spent lots of time on the land with her grandma Mary James along with other family members between Tutshi River and their cabin located near Racine falls! Deborah is grateful and has fond memories as well as lots of teachings from her grandma Mary and all her time spent on the land as young child! In addition, Deborah holds dear to her heart the memory of her father and his deep knowledge in regards of our Indigenous rights as First Nation people as well to our beautiful land and water! Like her late father Deborah wants to ensure that all our water and land is kept safe for future generations to come! Currently and since 2013 Deborah Baerg is working as CTFN’s Cultural Projects & Lingít language coordinator in the Heritage & Culture Department. Shayawdustee Deborah Baerg is honored to sit as a trustee on the Dáanaa Jíli Trust.