NEWS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
WHITEHORSE – The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) marked the completion of the inagural offering of the Yukon First Nations Family Support Worker Training Program and announced the graduating class.
A total of 14 Yukon First Nations from across the territory are graduating from the training program. The program was co-developed by the Council of Yukon First Nations and Camosun College. Building upon Camosun College’s Indigenous Family Support Program, the program curriculum was adapted to reflect the unique culture and needs of Yukon First Nations communities.
The made-in-Yukon curriculum was developed by Dr. Norma Shorty, a Yukon First Nations Citizen and combined credited course material and cultural teachings delivered by local Yukon First Nations including an ‘Elder in Residence’ component.
The program is a part of CYFN’s efforts to improve outcomes for Yukon First Nations families and to address the overrepresentation of Yukon First Nations children in the child welfare system. Further, the program seeks to increase capacity within Yukon First Nations to ensure services address the needs within the community.
The program that began in January 2020 saw a hiatus imposed by the Covid pandemic and is now slated to culminate later this week. CYFN is hosting a graduation event scheduled for Friday, March 12th to honour the 14 Yukon First Nations from across the territory that are graduating from this unique program.
The graduates of the initial offering of the Yukon First Nations Family Support Worker Training Program include:
Brenda Asp Northern Tutchone/Tahltan/Tlingit
Crystal Bolton Ross River Dena Council
May Bolton Ross River Dena Council
Lisa Boutilier Teslin Tlingit Council
Mellissa Charlie Ross River Dena Council
Melanie Dickson Liard First Nation
Ashley Edzerza Selkirk First Nation
Jodi Jules Teslin Tlingit Council
Gladys Ladue Ross River Dena Council
Lauren McGinty Selkirk First Nation
Joy O’Brien Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation
Heather Saggers First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun
Elizabeth Shorty Ross River Dena Council
Crystal Stoll Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Quote:
“I applaud the commitment demonstrated by this group of Yukon First Nations women that are graduating from our program. Their achievement of staying the course to complete this program despite the pandemic is a testament to their dedication in serving their communities and improving the lives of Yukon First Nations.”- Grand Chief Peter Johnston.
For further information:
| Lael Lund Communications Advisor Council of Yukon First Nations P: 867.393.9200 ext. 9223 | cyfn.ca |
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