The word Yukon is a transliteration of Indigenous words meaning “great river,” adopted and preserved in modern geography by explorers and settlers. It reflects the deep connection between the land, water, and the Indigenous peoples who have lived there for thousands of years.

 

“Yu”, in certain indigenous languages often refers to “water” or “river.”

 

“Kun/khana” emphasizes size or greatness, conveying the significance of the river.

 

Taking this idea of the “Yukon” the river was represented in the letter Y (a letter with multiple branches, like rivers), through organic, fluid letters that transitioned slowly into letter N, making some sort of abstract version of the word YUKON.