Gavin McKenna representing Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in culture at NHL draft 'awe-inspiring' for community

When Gavin McKenna was selected to the Toronto Maple Leafs endure hebdomad as the list i NHL outline pick, it was an "awe-inspiring moment" for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Deputy Chief Erin McQuaig.

"I think the fact that Gavin has just taken upon himself to say, first and foremost, 'I'm Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in' is very special," McQuaig said.

McKenna was the first Indigenous player from Canada to be the number one NHL draft pick in nearly 50 years.

At the event in Buffalo, N.Y., the 18-year-old forward wore a custom suit with the faces of his family and community on the lining, along with orange and red beaded pins made by his sister — each featuring a wolf to represent his clan. Members of his family wore traditional hide vests.

"He really understands his connection to his traditions and his family, and I think that's what makes him as strong as he is," said McQuaig.

McQuaig said she watches the Western Hockey League, becoming aware of McKenna when he played three seasons for the Medicine Hat Tigers where he led the Canadian Hockey League during the 2024-2025 season with 129 points.

Maple Leafs or not, Yukon's Gavin McKenna set to make hockey history in NHL draft

McQuaig said hockey is a "really big part of Indigenous life here in Yukon," and McKenna has long had the support of his community.

"Coming from a First Nations perspective, when one of us succeeds, we all succeed," she said.

"He's really, you know, one person in a really huge Yukon family."

The NHL draft was not the first time McKenna decided to represent his heritage. At the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, McKenna wore a traditional vest designed by his grandmother.

"My grandfather went to a residential school, and seeing how far he's come has taught me to be resilient and not take anything for granted," McKenna said.

His achievement has been celebrated by Indigenous people across the country.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak posted a statement on social media to congratulate McKenna. 

"This historic achievement is a proud moment for your family, your Nation, the Yukon, and First Nations across the country," she wrote.

Northern trailblazer: How the Yukon shaped top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna

Next up for McKenna is training camp with the Leafs before the NHL season kicks off in the fall.

"I've got a lot of young fans watching me, so I obviously want to represent the Indigenous community well, be a good role model for young kids, and make them proud," McKenna's email said.

McQuaig said she hopes McKenna continues to carry himself with the same drive and commitment. 

"I hope that he just stays on the same path that he has and keeps grounded in his, what we call at home as our Dënezhu values, because that's what got him to where he is today," she said.

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