NEWS RELEASE: Yukon First Nations and Government of Yukon leaders meet for Yukon Forum along with guests from the Government of Canada

By September 6, 2024News Release

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations.

The Council of Yukon First Nations Chiefs and Yukon Government Ministers pose for a photo during the summer Yukon Forum at the Kwanlin Dün First Nation Nàkwät’à Kų̀ Potlatch House on Thursday September 5, 2024.

Leaders representing Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon held a Yukon Forum to advance common priorities.

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 discussed progress on developing new minerals legislation and land use planning in the territory.

The Government of Canada’s Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant joined for a portion of the meeting as guests to discuss Arctic foreign policy and emergency management as well as explore solutions to housing needs in the territory.

The meeting was held on September 5, 2024, at Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s Nàkwät’à Kų̀ Potlatch House in Whitehorse.

Quotes

Continuing our government-to-government collaboration is vital as we work on priorities such as new minerals legislation, land use planning, emergency management, housing and Arctic security, which are crucial for strengthening the territory for future generations. The Yukon Forum is an essential platform for advancing these shared goals and building our ongoing relationships. I am both inspired by and appreciative of my fellow leaders for their commitment to finding made-in-Yukon solutions and working together on reconciliation.

– Premier Ranj Pillai

Yukon First Nations are pleased to have productive discussions at this Yukon Forum on matters of significance to Yukon First Nations such as security, resource development and housing.

– 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 29th meeting since its revitalization in January 2017.

Related information

Yukon Forum

Mapping the Way

Contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@nullyukon.ca

Brigitte Parker
Communications, Government of Yukon
867-332-0004
brigitte.parker@nullyukon.ca

Roni-Sue Sparvier
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 ext. 9223
communications@nullcyfn.net