This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Leaders representing Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon held the third Yukon Forum of the year to advance common priorities.
The meeting took place on the Traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council in Whitehorse.
Attendees included Yukon First Nations Chiefs, the Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai and Government of Yukon Cabinet members.
The Yukon leaders received updates and discussed matters of community health and wellness including the implementation of the Substance Use Health Emergency strategy and the Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ strategy. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Chief Superintendent Scott Sheppard attended the Yukon Forum to join the discussion about community safety across the Yukon.
Leaders identified shared priorities for Yukon Days in Ottawa to ensure federal programs meet the territory’s unique needs. Collaborating on these priorities helps strengthen Yukon’s voice and influence at the national level.
Quotes
Our government recognizes that working with Yukon First Nations governments through the Yukon Forum is essential for tackling the challenges we face and creating a stronger, more resilient territory together. The safety, health and wellness of our friends, loved ones, and community members is top of mind for many of us across the territory. These are often difficult and heavy conversations, but it’s crucial that we come together, as we did today, to have them.
– Premier Ranj Pillai
Yukon First Nations are pleased to have valuable discussions on solutions to the substance use crisis we are currently facing. It’s crucial that we all work together to make meaningful and productive steps towards ensuring the health, wellness and safety of our communities.
– Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Quick facts
- Reinvigorated in 2017, 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 convenes at least four times annually and this marks the 30th meeting since its revitalization in January 2017.
