WHITEHORSE – The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) is proud to announce the grand opening of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre, the first Yukon First Nation-led shelter dedicated to supporting women and children. The opening ceremony took place on February 14, 2025, at 10 Eldorado Drive in Whistle Bend.
The Family Preservation Wellness Centre marks a significant milestone in addressing a critical gap in services by providing safe and culturally supportive emergency housing. The 32-bed, 10 unit apartment-style centre will offer essential programming tailored to the needs of Yukon First Nations women and families.
Since the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2023, CYFN has worked closely with Yukon First Nations, women’s groups, and community partners to bring this vision to life. The project was made possible with support from Federal Government through the 12 Shelter Initiative that is administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) as well as the Government of Yukon’s donation of land.
CYFN remains committed to ensuring the Centre serves as a safe and welcoming space, grounded in Yukon First Nations culture and values.
Quotes:
This Centre represents years of dedication and collaboration to create a culturally safe space for Yukon First Nations women and children in need. We look forward to opening the doors and providing a safe and supportive environment for families.
– CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
CYFN’s Family Preservation Centre will provide a much-needed sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence, offering families the support they need to regain their independence and rebuild their futures in a safe environment. The new centre activates a vision of Yukon First Nations people to provide a safe space for Indigenous women, children, families and 2SLGBTQI+ people fleeing violence. The federal government’s investment in this Centre reflects how the National Housing Strategy is ensuring that everyone has a place to call home and meets a need for lower-barrier services that are inclusive and grounded in Indigenous cultural ways of knowing and doing.
– Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon – on behalf of the Honourable Nathanial Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services.
For further information contact:
Kristen McKenna
Communications Advisor
Council of Yukon First Nations
T: 867.393.9200 ext. 9223
cyfn.ca | communications@nullcyfn.net