On March 19, the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) passed a resolution in support of the Health Authority Act, Bill 38, that was tabled in the Yukon Legislative Assembly on March 11.
The proposed legislation establishes the legal framework to create Shäw Kwä’ą (Health and Wellness Yukon), the Yukon’s first health authority. Through the Chiefs Committee on Health (CCOH) and the Health Transformation Advisory Committee (HTAC), Yukon First Nations have worked closely with the Government of Yukon over the last 9 months to develop this legislation to ensure it will be beneficial for all Yukoners and to provide a framework for building a modern and culturally responsive health authority.
Once the Health Authority Act is passed, the Chiefs Committee on Health and the Health Transformation Advisory Committee look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Yukon, health system partners, health and social service organizations and associations, and all stakeholders to ensure we are collaboratively building a system that all Yukoners can be proud of.
Yukon First Nations co-developed this legislation with the Government of Yukon in an unprecedented way. This is enabling legislation that will create Yukon’s first health authority, Shäw Kwä’ą, which will serve all Yukoners and incorporate Yukon First Nations values throughout.
– Chair of the Chiefs Committee on Health and Chief of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Pauline Frost
For far too long, Yukon First Nations have endured systemic racism within the health system, and unacceptable health inequities persist as a result. This legislation is a necessary first and foundational step to improve outcomes for all.
– CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
