FOR RELEASE
May 14, 2020
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members, Council of Yukon First Nation’s Grand Chief and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met virtually today for the Yukon Forum.
The Forum focused on how the governments can work together to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. There were discussions on education, the economy, health and social supports and impacts to treaty rights.
Quotes
Intergovernmental communication is absolutely critical as we navigate Yukon through this pandemic. The relationships we have built with First Nations through the Yukon Forum over the past number of years have put us in a very strong position to respond collaboratively to keep Yukoners safe. Today was an opportunity to discuss how we will work together to prevent the spread of this virus, support citizens and plan for economic recovery.
– Premier Sandy Silver
Keeping our communities and citizens safe is the top concern among Yukon First Nations leaders. Today, we found common ground with our Government of Yukon counterparts on how to move successfully forward with healthcare, education and economic plans in light of the ongoing pandemic.
– Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Quick facts
- 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 meets four times a year.
- This is the 14th Yukon Forum meeting since signing the Working Together Declaration in January 2017.
- Throughout the pandemic response there have been regular information sharing calls between the Minister of Health and Chiefs, First Nations officials and the Chief Medical Officer of Health and officials from Aboriginal Relations and Community Services.
Contact
Shari-Lynn MacLellan
Aboriginal Relations, Executive Council Office
867-336-0777
Shari-Lynn.MacLellan@nullgov.yk.ca
Juliann Fraser
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-456-9200
Juliann.Fraser@nullcyfn.net
News release #20-xxx