FOR RELEASE
October 27, 2023
This is a joint news release by the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Association of Yukon Communities.
WHITEHORSE – The Council of Yukon First Nations and the Association of Yukon Communities recently co-hosted a forum between Yukon First Nations Chiefs and Mayors.
The forum was the first of its kind and took place on October 24th in Whitehorse. The meeting was a result of a collaborative effort between the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Association of Yukon Communities to strengthen relationships between municipal and Yukon First Nations leaders.
Agenda items discussed at the inaugural forum included the impacts of the opioid crisis on communities; health care shortages in the communities; land development and housing shortages; emergency preparedness and climate change; and infrastructure planning and funding.
The Chiefs and Mayors Forum will be hosted on a biannual basis to provide a venue for Yukon First Nations and municipal governments to discuss and collaborate on matters of importance to their communities.
Quotes:
We are breaking new ground in fostering understanding and unity between Yukon First Nations and municipal leaders. The inaugural Chiefs and Mayors Forum stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and dialogue in addressing the pressing issues facing our communities. As we continue to convene biannually, we will work together in the common interest of building stronger communities.
-Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Council of Yukon First Nations
It was a great privilege to be a part of Yukon history by cohosting the inaugural Chiefs and Mayors Forum. This gathering will help build long-term relationships between community leaders to ensure that we can work closely together to improve life for all Yukoners. I look forward to seeing the long-term successes that this increased collaboration between municipal and First Nation governments will result in. I’m confident that by working together through our common challenges and opportunities we will see the quality of life improve for all Yukoners.
-President Ted Laking, Association of Yukon Communities
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
Ted Laking
President, Association of Yukon Communities
P: 867.334.2648
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