FOR RELEASE
January 13, 2017
Government of Yukon and First Nations sign intergovernmental declaration
Yukon’s premier and chiefs committed to hold four Yukon Forums a year and develop a joint action plan for shared priorities. At the Yukon Forum today, leaders signed a declaration that sets the framework for a renewed relationship based on reconciliation and collaboration.
Caption: Yukon First Nations chiefs, Cabinet ministers and Premier Silver after the signing of the declaration
Quotes
“The Yukon Forum is an important opportunity to allow the respective parties to have constructive dialogue on governance-related topics. The declaration reaffirms our commitment to work together, government to government, on mutual priorities to create a better Yukon for everyone.”
–Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
“I’m hopeful that our relationship with the new Yukon government will support true partnership on Yukon First Nation issues. A partnership that reflects our positions and speaks in a collective voice that incorporates and accommodates First Nation issues and concerns. Today, I heard that Yukon First Nations are willing to do their part and I’m optimistic that Yukon will as well for the benefit of First Nation and all Yukon citizens.”
–Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill
“Today’s forum sets the stage for a strong working relationship between Yukon and First Nations governments. The Yukon government is committed to taking a whole of government approach to reconciliation with First Nations governments. We believe that strong relationships with First Nations and collaboratively developed solutions will benefit all Yukoners.”
–Premier Sandy Silver
Quick facts
Premier Silver, cabinet ministers and Yukon First Nations chiefs signed a declaration committing members of the Yukon Forum to meet four times annually for solutions-focused discussions and to develop a joint action plan that identifies common priorities and implementation options by the next Yukon Forum.
The Yukon Forum was created in 2005 under the Cooperation in Governance Act to formalize the government-to-government relationship between the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations.
Learn more:
The signed declaration is now online:
http://www.eco.gov.yk.ca/aboriginalrelations/pdf/Yukon-Forum-Declaration.pdf
An electronic copy of this news release can be found here.
Contact:
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0362
sunny.patch@nullgov.yk.ca
Shari-Lynn MacLellan
Communications, Aboriginal Relations, Executive Council Office
867-455-2811
shari-lynn.maclellan@nullgov.yk.ca
Stephanie Brown
Council of Yukon First Nations, Communications
867-393-9223
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net
Marie-Louise Boylan
Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Communications
867-633-7800 ext. 112
marie-louise.boylan@nullkdfn.net