Wiikwemkoong member official beader for Toronto Maple Leafs

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Wiikwemkoong member official beader for Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs top draft pick Gavin McKenna, a Tr’ondek Hwech’in 91��˵�� citizen, was gifted a custom-beaded Leafs medallion crafted by Wiikwemkoong artist Crystal Kimewon.

Expositor Staff

Aug 09, 2026 - 2 min read

Crystal Kimewon, originally of Wiikemkoong Unceded Territory, holds the beadwork medallion she made that the Toronto Maple Maple Leafs presented to Gavin McKenna, the Leafs first pick and the NHL overall first pick in the NHL draft held in June. Mr. McKenna lives in Whitehorse and is a citizen of Tr’ondek Hwech’in 91��˵��.

Wiikwemkoong member official beader for Toronto Maple Leafs — Crystal Kimewon, originally of Wiikemkoong Unceded Territory, holds the beadwork medallion she made that the Toronto Maple Maple Leafs presented to Gavin McKenna, the Leafs first pick and the NHL overall first pick in the NHL draft held in June. Mr. McKenna lives in Whitehorse and is a citizen of Tr’ondek Hwech’in 91��˵��.

TORONTO—The reaction of Toronto Maple Leafs National Hockey League (NHL) draft pick Gavin McKenna (the first player selected in the draft) when receiving a special beadwork medallion made by Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory’s Crystal Kimewon for the Leafs said it all.

“Wow, wow, my grandmother will love this,” stated Mr. McKenna, upon opening a box and seeing the Toronto Maple Leafs medallion crafted by Ms. Kimewon. The reaction was caught on the Toronto Maple Leafs TikTok page.

“It means a lot to me, and to represent my heritage and culture,” said Mr. McKenna. “This is a beautiful piece of work. A pretty cool piece of art.” He noted, “Being indigenous I’m trying to influence other young kids to not give up on their dream of playing in the NHL and represent youngsters on the big stage of the NHL.” He lives in Whitehorse and is a citizen of Tr’ondek Hwech’in 91��˵��.