Actions and Commitments:
Exploring Stakeholder: "Government of Yukon"
Updates on this page: 84
October 29, 2024
Special interlocutor releases final residential school graves report
Kimberly Murray issues 42 ‘obligations’, seeks 20-year probe Warning: This report refers to residential schools and may be disturbing for some readers. Help is available by calling the Residential School Survivor Support line at 1-866-925-4419 APTN News: After two years of investigation, Canada’s special interlocutor on residential school gravesites says the work is only beginning....
October 29, 2024
Special interlocutor releases final residential school graves report
Kimberly Murray issues 42 ‘obligations’, seeks 20-year probe Warning: This report refers to residential schools and may be disturbing for some readers. Help is available by calling the Residential School Survivor Support line at 1-866-925-4419 APTN News: After two years of investigation, Canada’s special interlocutor on residential school gravesites says the work is only beginning....
October 1, 2024
New policy allows Yukon First Nations to offer high school credits for cultural learning
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...
August 29, 2024
Historic signing of Letter of Agreement on Education Co-governance in Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory
This is a joint news release between the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and the Government of Yukon. NationTalk: The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and the Government of Yukon are proud to announce a historic milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive and representative education system. On Friday, August 30, 2024, Hähkè Darren Taylor and Minister Jeanie...
August 18, 2024
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in medical student dreams of offering ‘culturally safe care’
Special internships at Whitehorse and Dawson hospitals gave Jamie Thomas a boost CBC Indigenous: The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation has had its own health-care practices since time immemorial, but soon, it will also have a citizen attending medical school. Jamie Thomas, 23, begins med school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this fall. She said...
August 16, 2024
Open-Access, No-cost Anti-Colonial Learning Resource Offers Art to Transform Healthcare Systems Across Canada
NationTalk: Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC – The Hearts-based Education and Anti-colonial Learning in Healthcare (H.E.A.L. Healthcare) Project unlocks the potential of arts and humanities to disrupt longstanding and well-established health disparities. Starting from the premise that healthcare is both an art and a science, H.E.A.L. Healthcare uses poetry, storytelling, visual arts, and other...
July 12, 2024
Government of Yukon implementing coroner’s inquest recommendations
NationTalk: The families, friends and communities of Cassandra Warville, Myranda Aleisha Dawn Tizya-Charlie, Josephine Elizabeth Vanessa Hager and Darla Skookum experienced losses that highlight the impacts of the Substance Use Health Emergency and the need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all individuals accessing the services and supports offered at 405...
June 3, 2024
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Marks the Fifth Anniversary of National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) with Progress Report on the Implementation of the Calls for Justice
NationTalk: – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, on the fifth anniversary of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Final Report, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) released a new progress report evaluating the advances made in implementing the National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice. “Preventing violence against...
May 6, 2024
Ensuring incoming cohorts of medical students better represent the diversity of Indigenous communities in Canada
Nicholas Brisebois and Nicole Cardinal NationTalk: May 6, 2024 CMAJ April 29, 2024 196 (16) E563-E565; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.231272 KEY POINTS It has become increasingly evident that First Nations people living on reserves and Indigenous people from rural and Northern communities have a substantially lower chance of getting into medical school in Canada than their urban counterparts. This often unappreciated disparity likely contributes...
April 29, 2024
Statement from the Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ People on the coroner’s inquest
NationTalk: The Yukon Advisory Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People has issued the following statement: “The Yukon Advisory Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People acknowledges the families and communities impacted by the coroner’s inquest these past three weeks. We recognize the re-traumatization and grief that...
March 14, 2024
Chief of Vuntut Gwitchin hopes proposed law will improve health care delivery
Yukon government is proposing territory wide health authority to improve system. APTN News: The chief of Vuntut Gwitchin says she’s hoping the health authority plan that is being proposed by the territorial government will help improve the lives of First Nations people in the Yukon. Pauline Frost, who is also chair of the Chiefs Committee on Health,...
March 12, 2024
Government of Canada signs agreements with Yukon delivering nearly $86 million to improve health care
From: Health Canada NationTalk: Health Canada – Canadians deserve a health care system that provides them with timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed, as well as the ability to age with dignity closer to home. Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health and the Honourable Tracy-Anne McPhee, Minister of...
March 6, 2024
Government of Yukon announces funding recipients under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce $2.2 million in funding to support Yukon-based women’s and gender equity-seeking non-governmental organizations. The funding, which covers the 2023–24 and 2024–25 fiscal years, was made available through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The funding will support projects that fall under Pillar one and...
March 6, 2024
Indigenous athletes get ready to compete in 2024 Arctic Winter Games
The 2024 Arctic Winter Games will take place in Mat-Su, Alaska, from March 10 to 16. APTN News: The 2024 Arctic Winter Games is just days away, and that means young Indigenous athletes are getting their final practises in before heading to the North’s most prestigious sporting event. On March 9, Team Yukon will head...
February 26, 2024
Government of Yukon receives national recognition for progress towards reconciliation through health and wellness systems
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon’s Department of Health and Social Services has been recognized as a national leader for its progress towards reconciliation throughout the Yukon’s health and wellness systems. In an article featured in the Hill Times, a Canadian digital and print news publication based in Ottawa, the department was highlighted alongside other notable...
January 11, 2024
Arctic Winter Games coming to Whitehorse in 2026
After the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the 2020 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, officials announced Monday the capital city will get its turn to serve as host city. APTN News: The most prestigious circumpolar sporting event is coming to Whitehorse in 2026. On Monday, the City of Whitehorse, the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, and the...
January 8, 2024
Statement from Premier Pillai on critical minerals and energy meeting with Minister Wilkinson
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement: NationTalk: “On January 5, I met with the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson about mining and critical minerals in the Yukon alongside Yukon MP Brendan Hanley and Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker. “I was also pleased to be joined by representatives...
December 13, 2023
Government of Yukon, Yukon Hospital Corporation and health partners release new Health Human Resources Strategy to better meet Yukoners’ needs
NationTalk: This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Yukon Hospital Corporation. Today, the Government of Yukon, Yukon Hospital Corporation and health partners released a Health Human Resources Strategy to better ensure that Yukoners have access to the health care services they need, when and where they need them. The Health...
December 6, 2023
Indigenous-led detox and healing centre planned for Whitehorse
Letter of intent signed this week in Ottawa ‘an important first step,’ says Council of Yukon First Nations CBC Indigenous: A new Indigenous-led detox and healing centre is being planned for the Whitehorse area, and the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) hopes to see it built within a few years. This week in Ottawa, CYFN,...
November 27, 2023
Statement from Minister McLean on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
NationTalk: Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement: “This year the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign began on November 25. This annual campaign, which takes place internationally, across Canada and in the Yukon illuminates the collective efforts of so many organizations and individuals...
November 4, 2023
Plan for Yukon First Nations language education hopes to spark students’ striving for fluency
We Are Our Language plan was recently completed NationTalk: Yukon News: It’s about keeping an eye on the opportunities, not just the challenges for those hoping to inspire learners of Yukon First Nations languages. The revival of the languages was a key objective associated with the creation of the Yukon First Nation School Board in...
October 19, 2023
Second Annual Accountability Forum on Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy concludes in Whitehorse
Leaders, partners and families gathered for the second annual Accountability forum from October 16 to 17 in Whitehorse to review the progress made on the Yukon’s MMIWG2S+Implementation Plan. NationTalk: The Government of Yukon, under the leadership of the Yukon Advisory Committee, organized the forum. It brought together more than 150 participants, including families of MMIWG2S+,...
October 11, 2023
The Governments of Canada and Yukon sign bilateral agreement to end gender-based violence
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, unfortunately gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time that affects people of...
August 25, 2023
New substance use health emergency strategy released in Yukon
Timelines and overall cost still in the works says health and social services minister. APT News: Yukon has released a new strategy intended to help address substance use in the territory – but how much it will cost and when timelines will be completed are yet to be determined. The newly released Substance Use Health...
August 7, 2023
Government of Yukon invests in new positions and student supports to strengthen learning and wellbeing
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon is committed to building a strong, resilient future by investing in students’ academic, wellness and cultural needs and believes in prioritizing the mental wellness and wellbeing of school-age Yukoners across the territory. As part of this commitment, and the ongoing work to re-imagine inclusive and special education, the Yukon government...
July 31, 2023
Rampart House, treasured site to the Vuntut Gwitchin, becomes official historic site
Gwich’in gathering place and former Hudson’s Bay trading post now Yukon Historic Site CBC News: The sound of laughter, fiddle tunes and feet jigging on the hardwood floor of the old general store could be heard across the historic site of Rampart House as members of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation gathered last week to celebrate...
July 28, 2023
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on health centre service reductions and staffing shortages
NationTalk: Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement: “Many Yukoners, especially in the communities, are concerned about staffing shortages and service reductions at their local health care facilities, especially in remote and rural communities. On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I want to assure you that we hear your...
July 19, 2023
Yukon First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health to guide implementation of Putting People First
NationTalk: A Yukon First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health has been formed to provide direction and oversight regarding the transformation of the health and social system in the Yukon. This includes the implementation of the Putting People First report and the creation of Health and Wellness Yukon, a health authority for the territory. The newly...
July 7, 2023
Ben & Jerry’s Land Back tweet on Canada Day gets praise from First Nations people
Others called for boycott of ice cream company after tweet says Canada is on stolen land CBC News: Ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is being praised by many First Nations people in Canada for a tweet supporting the #LandBack movement on Canada Day. The tweet from the Canadian branch of the company read: “Another day...
June 7, 2023
Ground-breaking ceremony for N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù Traditional Camp marks new chapter for cultural education in Whitehorse
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon is proud to support educational projects that enhance culturally-inclusive learning and seek to advance reconciliation. Today, Porter Creek Secondary School Council hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for the much-anticipated N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù Traditional Camp. The Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) awarded $100,000 towards this project, which will significantly transform cultural education...
June 7, 2023
Kluane First Nation gets new school after 106 year wait
The new school will offer increased language and cultural programming APTN News: A century-long wait for a school is finally over for the Kluane First Nation. On May 31, community members, territorial officials and students gathered to celebrate the new construction of Kêts’ádań Kų. The school’s name translates to “house of learning” in Southern Tutchone. “It’s...
June 7, 2023
Yukon presents implementation plan for MMIWG2S+ strategy
Plan details objectives, milestones, timelines and describes 32 action items CBC News: A Yukon group focused on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit-plus people has presented an implementation plan for the territory’s MMIWG2S+ strategy. During a news conference on Tuesday, three co-chairs of the Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ described the significance of the...
May 19, 2023
Congratulations to the Council of Yukon First Nations on the start of the construction of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon congratulates the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) on the site blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the Family Preservation Wellness Centre. The ceremony took place on May 17, 2023 at 10 Eldorado Drive in Whistle Bend. The future site of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre is close to playgrounds, walking...
April 17, 2023
Funding for Yukon First Nation School Board more than doubles
Department of Education approves more than $35M for the next 15 months CBC News: The First Nation School Board in Yukon has grown from eight schools and a budget of $13 million in 2022, to 11 schools in 2023 with a budget of a little more than $35 million for the next 15 months. Dana...
April 13, 2023
More Yukon children in care being placed with family members, report shows
Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee says extended family caregivers keep kids connected to their communities CBC News: More children in the Yukon’s child welfare system are staying with extended family, not community caregivers or group homes, according to a new report. Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled the 2020-22 annual report for family and children’s...
April 4, 2023
Cdn. Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) Releases Health Human Resources Assessment Report
NationTalk: Ottawa – Today, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) released its report on health human resources (HHR) in Canada. The report, titled “Canada’s Health Workforce: Pathways Forward”, provides key findings designed to inform stakeholders (including governments). The report provides evidence-informed approaches to addressing the current challenges facing the Canadian health workforce. The three...
March 25, 2023
Search for graves at Yukon residential school site planned for this summer
‘We will finally get some answers to questions that we’ve had in our families,’ says chair of working group WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing. CBC News: The first ground search for unmarked graves at a former Yukon residential school will start this summer in Carcross. At least 20 Indigenous children...
March 23, 2023
Yukon First Nation aims to develop alternative justice system for some crimes
Carcross/Tagish First Nation official says traditional courts can be revolving door for Indigenous communities CBC News: The Carcross/Tagish First Nation (CTFN) in the Yukon is exploring a justice model that considers crime without punishment, which it hopes will better serve its citizens. The First Nation is developing an alternative court, separate from the traditional justice...
March 16, 2023
MP Michael Mcleod announces over $1 million in funding for the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation and the Northern Mosaic Network
NationTalk: Women and Gender Equality Canada – The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The COVID-19 pandemic also created unprecedented challenges for victims and survivors seeking help and the frontline organizations that support them. Today, Michael...
February 21, 2023
Council of Yukon First Nations plans to open shelter for Indigenous women and children in Whitehorse
Project will help fill gaps in current system, CYFN says CBC News: The Council of Yukon First Nations is planning to build a new shelter in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend neighbourhood, specifically for Indigenous women and children. Shadelle Chambers, executive director of the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), presented the plans to Whitehorse city council...
February 11, 2023
As more high schools add Indigenous- focused compulsory courses, some warn against a siloed approach
‘Reconciliation will only exist … when we see it in every aspect of a student’s experience,’ says professor CBC News: As a Shakespeare fan who loves sharing his work with students, Windsor, Ont., English teacher Carolyn Howlett admits she felt a bit apprehensive when her board began work shifting its Grade 11 English course to focus...
February 8, 2023
Public engagement begins on new minerals legislation
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon, in collaboration with Yukon First Nations and transboundary First Nations, is seeking public feedback to develop new minerals legislation for the territory. The new legislation will address every stage of the life cycle of mining activity, from prospecting to the operation of a mine and the eventual closure and remediation...
January 20, 2023
Statement on the Substance Use Health Emergency from Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee
NationTalk: Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement: “One year ago, in response to an unacceptable increase in opioid-related deaths and substance use-related harms in the territory, the Government of Yukon declared a Substance Use Health Emergency (SUHE). This declaration was a commitment to respond and a call to...
November 23, 2022
2022 Putting People First Annual Report: Yukon plans for reconciliation in health and social services
Of the 76 recommendations, 14 are operational, 39 are in progress and 23 have yet to be started. What follows relates specifically to Indigenous people. Partnership with Yukon First Nations Government-to-government work with Yukon First Nations is an essential element of system transformation and we are committed to working in partnership with First Nations governments. We...
November 9, 2022
National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence a significant step towards gender equality
Pictou County, Nova Scotia – Women and Gender Equality Canada Living a life free from violence is a fundamental human right, but gender‑based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant barrier to achieving gender equality in Canada. It is one of the most pervasive, deadly, and deeply rooted human rights violations of our time. Federal,...
October 14, 2022
Government of Canada to Fund Crisis Hotlines Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Yukon
Crisis hotlines are a lifeline to survivors of gender-based violence and are critical support services. Rates of gender-based violence in the Yukon are three times greater than the national average. Today, Jenna Sudds, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced $500,000 to support crisis hotlines across Yukon. Ms....
October 6, 2022
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on track to become statutory day in the Yukon
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has announced the Yukon plans to mark September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as a statutory day starting in 2023 to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. The Government of Yukon will table amendments to the Employment Standards Act in the spring of 2023....
September 7, 2022
What We Heard report details feedback on proposed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
NationTalk: The Government of Yukon has published a What We Heard report following a public engagement on creating a new statutory day to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The survey also sought to understand the economic impact that a new statutory day might have on the local business community and economy. The...
July 11, 2022
AFN Calls For First Ministers Meeting on UNDRIP at Council of The Federation
Assembly of First Nations: BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee issued the following statement after a meeting with provincial and territorial premiers today in advance of the Council of the Federation meeting taking place later today in Victoria, BC. “It is important for First Nations to meet with premiers on priorities and initiatives that impact our...
April 5, 2022
Yukon to extend Indigenous Hiring Preference policy until 2029
Whitehorse Daily Star – The Yukon government will be extending its Indigenous hiring preference policy until 2029. In a news release issued Monday, the government stated it will continue its efforts to increase representation of Indigenous employees in the public service. “The first 15 months of the pilot resulted in 78 successful Indigenous candidates across...
January 28, 2022
Yukon Indigenous School Board
Yukon Government – Seven school communities have voted yes to have their schools operated by the new Yukon First Nation School Board. We will make sure that all students have the opportunities to learn about Yukon First Nations histories, culture and languages as they are such an integral part of our lives....
December 12, 2021
Yukon Indigenous School Board
Yukon Government – As of October 31, 2021, the following school councils have submitted a resolution to trigger a referendum on their school falling under the authority of a newly established First Nation School Board: Chief Zzeh Gittlit School; Grey Mountain Primary School; Johnson Elementary School and Watson Lake Secondary School, which includes one referendum;...
June 14, 2021
Statement from Yukon Premier
June 24, 2021 – “We stand in solidarity with Yukon First Nations and Indigenous Canadians through this difficult time. These painful discoveries must drive necessary conversations about Canada’s dark history. More importantly, all Canadians must take action to address our past and foster reconciliation for a brighter future.” Yukon Premier Sandy Silver...
June 4, 2021
Yukon First Nation School Board Framework Agreement
The Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) announce the finalization of the Yukon First Nation School Board Framework Agreement. Signatories to the agreement, representing 10 Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon, seek to address long-standing concerns about unacceptable education outcomes for First Nations students. They also commit to provide...
June 3, 2021
Yukon First Nation School Board Framework Agreement
The Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) are pleased to announce the finalization of the Yukon First Nation School Board Framework Agreement. The agreement sets out the process for the creation of a First Nation School Board under the Education Act. This is a critical first step for Yukon First Nations...
December 29, 2020
Embracing the Children of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Embracing the Children of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow released by the Child and Family Services Act Advisory Committee with 149 specific “Required Actions” including what needs to be added to Bill C-92 to comply with the Yukon legislation. http://www.hss.gov.yk.ca/pdf/CFSA-report-oct2019.pdf...
December 12, 2020
Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy
“Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy”, signing ceremony with participants from all 14 Yukon First Nations as well as municipal, territorial and federal governments to confirm their commitment to ending violence and changing the story for Indigenous women, girls and Two-spirit+ people in Yukon. The Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy groups 31...
November 29, 2019
Yukon Government released the Yukon Water Strategy and Action Plan five-year report at the fourth annual Yukon Water Forum hosted by the Government of Yukon and Carcross/Tagish First Nation. The final report highlights key actions taken since the water strategy was put into place in 2014. These initiatives include work from the Government of Yukon,...
October 9, 2019
Inclusion of LGBTQ2S+ Yukon’s
Results from latest LGBTQ2S+ engagement have been released, representing the final stage of a public engagement designed to inform the development of an action plan to increase inclusiveness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, plus (LGBTQ2S+) Yukoners in government legislation, policies, programs and services. https://yukon.ca/sites/yukon.ca/files/engage-wd-wwh-survey-results.pdf...
August 29, 2019
Gladue Report Writing Pilot Project
The Council of Yukon First Nations has begun to administer the Gladue Report Writing Pilot Project, taking over from the Yukon Legal Services Society, a non-profit organization also known as Legal Aid. The transfer took place August 1, officially putting the project into the hands of Yukon First Nations....
August 15, 2019
Yukon First Nations language, history and culture in Grade 11 and 12
Students in Grades 11 and 12 will start using the new school curriculum in all Yukon schools this fall. All Yukon students will now be learning from a more modern, more relevant and more student-centred curriculum with hands-on learning opportunities that incorporate Yukon First Nations language, history and culture. The Government of Yukon and the...
August 1, 2019
Empty Spaces – Caring Connections
Together, partners in Yukon are working toward reducing the number of First Nations children in care, increasing proactive support for children and their families, and supporting children to grow up with strong connections to their language and culture. A systemic review of the child welfare system “Empty Spaces – Caring Connections” was recently conducted by...
March 18, 2019
Trilateral Table Terms of Reference
Announcement that Terms of Reference are now in place for the Yukon Trilateral Table on the Wellbeing of Yukon First Nations Children and Families. Established in 2018, the Trilateral Table has provided the first real opportunity for all three parties to work together to improve child and family services for Yukon First Nations. The signing...
March 6, 2019
Pilot Gladue report writing program update
Representatives from the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and the Yukon Legal Services Society say it’s still too early to tell what difference the pilot program is making, but it’s provided a structured way to get necessary information before Yukon courts. Roster of 3 writers trained, 37 reports written for Indigenous offenders since pilot...
March 6, 2019
Gladue Reports writing project update
Representatives from the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and the Yukon Legal Services Society say it’s still too early to tell what difference the pilot program is making, but it’s provided a structured way to get necessary information before Yukon courts. Roster of 3 writers trained, 37 reports written for Indigenous offenders since pilot...
December 10, 2018
Yukon Phoenix Pilot Project Training Initiative
A\J, or Alternatives Journal – Funding of $11,000 per day through Yukon College for the “Yukon Phoenix Pilot Project Training Initiative” a project to bring together First Nations youth, aged 12 to 14, and Whitehorse-based RCMP officers to participate in an immersive two-day workshop. The pilot aims to foster mutual understanding and respect between police and First Nations...
October 11, 2018
Monument unveiled at Whitehorse
CBC – A monument unveiled on the Whitehorse waterfront on Thursday offers a place for people to sit and reflect on the residential school history of the Yukon and Canada. It honours former students of the Whitehorse Indian Mission School, which operated from 1947 to 1960. Artist Ken Anderson designed the monument. The Teslin Tlingit Council member...
September 18, 2018
Commitment to work with Yukon First Nation’s
Committed to work with Yukon First Nations to develop culturally relevant correctional programming and alternative environments for those with addiction or mental health issues and emphasized need for the entire justice system to improve its response to victims of sexualized violence – significantly and soon.”...
September 18, 2018
Commitment of support to MMIWG Inquiry
Indigenous Lands&Resources Today – Spoke to Yukon’s experience with the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee encouraged her counterparts to support the Inquiry and keep the Commission’s mandate to examine the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls in mind. Minister McPhee also highlighted the need...
September 7, 2018
“What We Heard”
The Government of Yukon released a “What We Heard” document today that summarizes the key findings of its public engagement on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The public engagement took place from May 2017 through February 2018. Representatives from the FASD Interagency Advisory Committee travelled to nine Yukon communities to meet with identified stakeholders, including...
September 7, 2018
Release of “What We Heard ” document on FASD
The Government of Yukon released a What We Heard document today that summarizes the key findings of its public engagement on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The public engagement took place from May 2017 through February 2018. Representatives from the FASD Interagency Advisory Committee travelled to nine Yukon communities to meet with identified stakeholders, including...
September 6, 2018
Redesigned K-12 curriculum
The redesigned curriculum is based on British Columbia’s revised school curriculum, with adaptations to fit Yukon’s northern context and embed Yukon First Nations ways of knowing and doing in all grades. Kindergarten to Grade 9 classes started using the new school curriculum in 2017-18 Grade 10 in 2018-19 Grades 11 and 12 will start using...
August 17, 2018
Yukon curriculum revision
The redesigned curriculum is based on British Columbia’s revised school curriculum, with adaptations to fit Yukon’s northern context and embed Yukon First Nations ways of knowing and doing in all grades. Kindergarten to Grade 9 classes started using the new school curriculum last school year and grades 11 and 12 will start using the new...
May 10, 2018
Council of Yukon First Nations
First Nations in the Yukon can now receive assistance from the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) in accessing services for children and youth. CYFN is the service coordinator for Jordan’s Principle in the Yukon, helping make sure First Nations children and youth across the territory receive services they need without disruptions, delay, or discrimination....
April 9, 2018
Yukon Child-Welfare explores BC agencies
The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) organized and led a delegation of Yukon-based child welfare professionals on a tour of six BC child welfare agencies run by local indigenous groups. The fact-finding mission supports Yukon First Nations’ interest in exploring options for child welfare services in the Yukon. Yukon does not have a First Nations-led child...
February 20, 2018
Pilot funding to standardize writing Gladue reports
Yukon is funding $530,000 on 3-year pilot project to formalize and standardize the process of writing Gladue reports for judges sentencing Indigenous offenders. “This is really about getting the best possible information about any individual offender before the court, for consideration in determining what’s an appropriate sentence, and what the variety of that sentence might...
February 20, 2018
Funding for pilot Gladue Report writing program for Indigenous offenders
Yukon is funding a $530,000 three-year pilot project to develop a Gladue Report Writing program for Indigenous offenders to formalize and standardize the process of writing Gladue reports for judges sentencing Indigenous offenders....
January 29, 2018
Yukon Child and Family Services Act Review
Yukon’s Health and Social Services Minister Pauline Frost has promised a review of the Child and Family Services Act which in part lays out how the government can take children away from their parents and into government care, will start in the next three months....
September 18, 2017
Programming and therapeutic environment priorities
Yukon’s priority is to work with Yukon First Nations to develop more culturally relevant programming and alternative correctional therapeutic environments for individuals with disabilities, mental health and addiction issues, and to collaborate in order to reduce delays and improve outcomes....
September 18, 2017
Commitment to reduce the over- representation of Indigenous people
Highlighted the importance of continuing to work together with Yukon First Nations and partners health, education and housing to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous people in justice system and build safer, healthier, stronger communities....
January 24, 2016
Report to the Premier on the TRC Report
Yukon Government’s Deputy Ministers’ Report to the Premier on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Report reaffirms May 2014 Endorsement of Canada’s 2010 Statement of Support for the declaration. As declaration is not fully consistent with already implemented Final and Self- government Agreements, no initiatives are planned or underway....
January 12, 2016
Response to TRC Final Report
Deputy Ministers’ Report to the Premier on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Report The Government of Yukon acknowledges that Aboriginal people in Yukon, and their descendants, continue to be affected by the devastating impacts of the Indian Residential School system. The Yukon government has also indicated that addressing this legacy is a significant...
August 31, 2015
Law Society of Yukon Supports Gladue Program Pilot Project
Access to Justice in Remote Communities Access to Justice Research Project (AJRP) – The Law Society of Yukon recognizes the serious problem with access to justice in remote and northern communities across Canada. The three northern territories have the highest rates of violent and sexual offending in Canada coupled with few social and legal resources...
January 1, 2014
Commitment to teaching about residential schools
Committed to teaching about residential schools (TRC)...