NEWS RELEASE: Land transferred to the Council of Yukon First Nations for Indigenous women and children’s shelter

Published 17/08/2022

This is a joint news release with the Government of Yukon

The Government of Yukon, to formalize its commitment to the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), has completed the transfer of land for its planned Indigenous women and children’s shelter.  

The shelter will be located at 10 Eldorado Drive, at the corner of Casca Boulevard in Whistle Bend. The location was based on the Government of Yukon’s land availability and its suitability in terms of zoning. CYFN is committed to ensuring neighbours and community are kept informed of project developments.

The project will be the first Indigenous-led shelter in the Yukon, addressing a critical gap in current services. The shelter will have 15 apartments (32 beds) and a total floor space of 15,069 square feet. The shelter will have high and lower barrier areas that will safely meet the needs of women with children and women who require more supports.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is funding this project through its Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. This was one of two projects in the north that was funded in the 2020 call for proposals.

CYFN will lead the construction and operation of the shelter and is working in collaboration with Yukon First Nations and Yukon women’s shelters to ensure the new shelter fits the needs of the community and addresses existing gaps. The shelter will provide vital services with culturally appropriate supports and programs.

Council of Yukon First Nations  is appreciative of the commitment of land by the Government of Yukon that has facilitated the development of the Indigenous women and children’s shelter in Whistle Bend. We look forward to engaging in open communication with our new neighbors and the community on behalf of Yukon First Nations. Collectively, we will work to fulfill the vision of supporting Yukon First Nations women and children with safe temporary housing where they are supported and provided with programming.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

The development of this Indigenous women’s shelter is a testament to the strong partnerships and our collective commitment to offer a much-needed form of safe housing and supports for women and children in our community. When completed, this shelter will ensure Yukoners have access to community-based and culturally relevant services to lift them up in a time of need.

Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai

We are honoured to play a role in the pre-development stage of the first Indigenous-led shelter in the Yukon. This project is an important step for providing community-centered services to Yukon First Nations women and children. Thank you to the Council of Yukon First Nations for their continued efforts to move this project forward.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

Quick facts 

  • The land was transferred from the Government of Yukon for $1 to CYFN.

Contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@nullyukon.ca


Julie Ménard
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-332-7302
julie.menard@nullyukon.ca 


Lael Lund
Communications Manager
Council of Yukon First Nations
867-335-3227 
communications@nullcyfn.net

News release #: 

22-265