Vuntut Gwitchin Government returns as associate member of CYFN

The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) officially welcomed the return of the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) to its Leadership table today with the passing of a CYFN Leadership resolution endorsing VGG’s associate member status.

Following a resolution at the VGG annual General Assembly this summer, Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm announced on August 14 that it would rejoin the central body as an associate member. Yukon’s northernmost First Nation stepped away in 2008 under the late Chief Joe Linklater to focus on implementing its land claims and self-government agreements.

As an associate member, VGG will not have voting rights at the Leadership table but can continue to engage in Leadership discussions. CYFN’s practice of welcoming all Yukon and transboundary First Nations to engage in discussions at Leadership has led to increased participation among Yukon’s 14 First Nations in recent years.

Quotes

Vuntut Gwitchin’s return to CYFN is a significant and symbolic moment that speaks to the sense of inclusivity that exists when we sit together to discuss critical issues affecting Yukon First Nations. CYFN is even stronger today with Vuntut Gwitchin’s return.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

 CYFN has shown great leadership in allowing Vuntut Gwitchin Government a seat at the table, despite not being a member since 2008. It is this inclusivity and forward-thinking vision that has brought us back into the fold of CYFN. As Leaders we are faced with difficult decisions every day; we are stronger when we can all sit around the table and tackle these issues together. This is what makes Yukon First Nations leaders in Canada – our ability to truly work together.

Vuntut Gwitchin Government Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm

Quick Facts

  • CYFN Leadership is made up of Yukon First Nation chiefs and leaders; it meets approximately six times per year to discuss and take action on issues of mutual importance.
  • CYFN Leadership makes resolutions through voting which gives CYFN direction on how to move forward on issues affecting all Yukon First Nations.
  • CYFN, once dedicated to facilitating land claims negotiations, has shifted its focus to advocacy on areas of mutual interest in order to strengthen Yukon First Nations’ political power.

Contact

Juliann Fraser
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 ext. 9223
Juliann.Fraser@nullcyfn.net

Rebecca Shrubb

Intergovernmental Relations & Policy Development, Vuntut Gwitchin Government

867-668-3261

rshrubb@nullvgfn.net