News Release: Leaders meet for the first Yukon Forum of 2022

Today, Premier Sandy Silver and his Cabinet, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and the Yukon First Nations Chiefs met in-person and virtually at the Carcross/Tagish Learning Centre for the first Yukon Forum of 2022.

Discussions included the substance use health emergency in the territory, the Putting People First plan, community safety and restorative justice, and updates to the Child and Family Services Act. Leaders acknowledged the significance of the establishment of the Yukon First Nation School Board and also spoke about youth involvement across the territory.

At the start of 2022, the Government of Yukon approved funding for a Community Safety Planning program to support community designed and led safety initiatives. Leaders took the opportunity today to discuss programs and activities that could be supported under the program to ensure it meets the needs of residents to feel safer in their communities.

Leaders discussed the amendments to the Child and Family Services Act whichwill be tabled in the Legislative Assembly this spring. The work on the amendments was a truly collaborative process and clarifies the government’s commitment to reconciliation and addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous children involved in child welfare.

Cheyenne Bradley from Communities Building Youth Futures and Lindsey Cornell from the Boys and Girls Club Yukon provided an update to leaders on the upcoming Youth Summit being held March 21 to March 25 in partnership with youth-serving organizations from around the territory. There was also an opportunity for an open conversation about youth involvement, which included climate change and mental health and substance use awareness.

Leaders also had the chance to debrief phase one of the Mental Wellness Summit where those with lived experience were able to share their perspectives on the pressing issues and needs of the communities.

Quotes

It was great to gather with territorial leaders on the traditional territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation for the first Yukon Forum of the year. Hearing from youth in our communities about the issues that are important to them and the work they are doing to lead change was inspiring. This year is the 49th anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow. We continue working in partnership with First Nations to honour the vision in that document and build a brighter future for all Yukoners. Our government looks forward to continue collaborating to support our youth, improve outcomes for children, and expand community safety across the territory.

– Premier Sandy Silver

CYFN and Yukon First Nations are pleased to participate in generative discussions through Yukon Forum. The value of the continued shared commitment to regular Yukon Forum gatherings is evident in the progress being made on matters discussed during these forums.

– Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

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.
  • The Yukon Forum meets four times a year.
  • This was the 20th Yukon Forum meeting since signing the Working Together Declaration in January 2017.

Related information

Contact

Jacob Wilson
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
jacob.wilson@nullyukon.cajacob.wilson@nullyukon.ca

Rachel Veinott-McKeough
Communications, Aboriginal Relations
780-916-6995
Rachel.Veinott-McKeough@nullyukon.ca

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