FOR RELEASE
September 29, 2017
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations approve next steps for collaboration on joint priorities
Premier Sandy Silver, Yukon Forum, Champagne Hall, Champagne, Yukon
Caption: Premier Sandy Silver and Grand Chief Peter Johnston, as well as Yukon government Cabinet and First Nations Chiefs, met at third annual Yukon Forum in Champagne. Photo: Marten Berkman
The plan sees the establishment of joint working groups and a review of collaborative processes to determine what is going well and what can be improved.
In addition, the plan outlines the next steps that will be taken on a number of topics that are deeply important to Yukoners: justice, heritage, education, health and social services, implementation of the land claim agreements and fiscal relations.
Quotes
“The priorities we have identified together address long-standing and complex issues. The processes and working groups we are setting up under the Yukon Forum will build a foundation for long-term collaboration and systemic change. Our goal is to advance reconciliation and work together to find tangible solutions that create healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities in Yukon.”
–Yukon Premier Sandy Silver
“Champagne and Aishihik First Nations is honoured to host the Yukon Forum in our community of Shadhäla (Champagne) today. We are pleased that the Yukon Forum is being held in the communities because it allows leaders to see the impacts of our decisions at a community level. Continued collaboration by our governments is vital.”
–Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Kaaxnox, Dän Nätthe Ada (Chief Steve Smith)
Quick facts
The Yukon Forum is a meeting of the political leaders of the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations governments and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
In January 2017, the forum was re-invigorated through the signing of an intergovernmental declaration that identified the creation of a joint five-year action plan on shared priorities.
At the May 2017 Yukon Forum, leaders approved a list of joint priorities and committed to developing joint action plans for achieving these priorities.
These priorities include fiscal relations; collaborative processes for heritage, justice, education, health and social services; land claim and self-government implementation; and ensuring that Yukon’s legislative agenda considers First Nations’ priorities.
Learn more:
Yukon Forum website
Contact:
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications, Government of Yukon
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@nullgov.yk.ca
Kelly Panchyshyn
Communications, Executive Council Office, Government of Yukon
867-455-2810
Kelly.Panchyshyn@nullgov.yk.ca
Stephanie Brown
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393- 9200 ext.:9223
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net
Amy McKinnon
Communications Manager, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
(867) 634-4200 ext 237
almckinnon@nullcafn.ca
To view an electronic copy, click here.