Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Government of Yukon
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with Yukon First Nations, is continuing its collaborative work to improve outcomes for children, youth and families who are engaged with the child welfare system.
The Child and Family Services Act Steering Committee has provided direction and advice on how to best address the 149 required actions in the final report Embracing the Children of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, some of which will require amendments to the Child and Family Services Act.
The Child and Family Services Act Steering Committee was established in July 2020, with representatives from the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations and co-chaired by CYFN.
While carrying out its mandate, the Steering Committee focused on the over-representation of Yukon First Nations children in care and looked at ways to better support families.
Quotes:
“All children deserve to be physically and emotionally healthy, spiritually safe, and feel valued, loved, and respected in their culture. These amendments to the Child and Family Services Act will reflect a shift in the child welfare practice and philosophy that is intended to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care.” – Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
“Yukon First Nations children continue to be over-represented in the child welfare system and systematically detached from their communities and families. This is an opportunity for Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon to work together to improve outcomes for Yukon First Nations children and youth.” – CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Quick facts:
- Embracing the Children of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is the final report by the Child and Family Services Act Review Advisory Committee. It was tabled in the Legislative Assembly in October 2019. The report can be found here.
- The Steering Committee includes representatives from the following Yukon First Nations: Kwanlin Dün First Nation; Carcross/Tagish First Nation; Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation; White River First Nation; First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun; Ross River Dena Council; Liard First Nation; Champagne and Aishihik First Nations; Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Government; Ta’an Kwäch’än Council; Teslin Tlingit Council; and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
- All 14 Yukon First Nations were invited to sit on the committee. The two First Nations not on the committee may choose to join it in the future, or can provide input via CYFN. These two First Nations are also receiving updates from the Steering Committee on the progress of this initiative.
- Yukon provides child welfare services to all Yukoners, including First Nations children and youth, under the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA). This act came into force in 2010.
- As of May 2021, there were 72 children and youth in the care of the Director of Family and Children’s Services. This number represents a decrease of more than 50% over the past four years.
- About 90 per cent of children and youth in care of the Director are Indigenous.
For further information contact:
Lael Lund
Communications Manager
Council of Yukon First Nations
P: 867.393.9200 ext. 9223 | C: 867.335.3227
cyfn.ca | communications@nullcyfn.net
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@nullyukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Health and Social Services
michael.edwards@nullyukon.ca
867-667-8539