NationTalk: The Government of Yukon has introduced the Accreditation of Yukon First Nations Traditional Knowledge, Cultural and Language Learning Policy, enabling Yukon First Nations to deliver and assess credit programs for high school students. The new policy allows students to earn elective credits toward their graduation requirements through participating in cultural, language and traditional knowledge learning activities led by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other community members.

This policy, created with Yukon First Nations, supports truth and reconciliation efforts and strengthens the role of First Nations in guiding the Yukon’s education system. It reflects the long-standing call for greater control by Yukon First Nations over education programs, as outlined in the document Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow.

Under the policy, Yukon First Nations governments will be able to develop and deliver learning activities, allowing students to earn up to 12 elective credits, equivalent to three full courses. These credits will count toward the B.C. Dogwood Graduation Program, meeting both local and provincial graduation requirements.

This new policy is an important step in recognizing and valuing Yukon First Nations’ knowledge and traditions as central to students’ learning. By enabling Yukon First Nations governments to offer culturally relevant programming for high school credit, we are taking meaningful action to support truth and reconciliation and strengthen our education system.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

Yukon First Nations have been asking for systemic changes to Yukon Education for decades to re-establish their rights to control over education. This new policy takes a step in the right direction towards validating Yukon First Nations pedagogy – by officially validating and promoting the rich cultural learning available through the wisdom of our ways.

Chair of the First Nations Education Commission Melanie Bennett

Quick facts

• The policy was developed in consultation with Yukon First Nations and the First Nation Education Commission.
• Students can earn up to 12 elective credits toward their B.C. Dogwood Graduation Program through Yukon First Nations cultural, language and traditional knowledge learning activities.
• These credits fulfil B.C.’s Indigenous-focused graduation requirement, part of the broader provincial strategy to support Indigenous education.
• The initiative responds to public reports like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and the Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Yukon Legislative Assembly–2019.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca

Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
867-471-0902
michael.edwards@yukon.ca