Yukon government and First Nations hold Yukon Forum

April 8, 2016 – The government-to-government meeting provides an opportunity to discuss shared priorities.

FOR RELEASE
April 8, 2016

Yukon government and First Nations hold Yukon Forum

Joint news release

WHITEHORSE—The Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations held a Yukon Forum today to discuss opportunities for collaboration on several key issues. These include the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action as well as climate change and federal funding.

“Collaboration is key to how we do business in Yukon,” Premier Darrell Pasloski said. “By working together, we can discuss and advance priorities that matter to the Yukon government and First Nation governments.”

The Yukon government and Yukon First Nations agreed to a collaborative, made-in-Yukon approach to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. The governments will present the joint approach to the federal government for their consideration and possible involvement at the Intergovernmental Forum scheduled this afternoon.

“Yukon First Nation governments committed to work in collaboration with Yukon government to implement a joint framework plan to address the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report,” Grand Chief Ruth Massie said. “All governments expressed the implementation of the recommendations as a priority to address our concerns that affect our people and region. Together we approach the Government of Canada for their financial support and assistance to implement the future initiatives.”

The governments also discussed the Vancouver Declaration on Clean Growth and Climate Change and how First Nations and Yukon government can provide input into the national climate change discussions.

In addition, there was discussion of ways to ensure that federal funding supports Yukon First Nation Self-Government and Yukon infrastructure, and brings tangible benefits to all Yukoners.

“Addressing the legacy of residential schools is a priority of the Yukon government, and we recognize we can’t do it alone,” Pasloski added. “We believe a partnership approach to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action is in the interest of all Yukoners and we look forward to working together to address these important issues.”

The Yukon Forum is a government-to-government meeting that provides a means for the premier, the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations and Chiefs of Yukon First Nations to identify opportunities and common priorities for collaboration.

Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon will meet with the federal Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada this afternoon at the Intergovernmental Forum for further discussions on shared priorities.

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Contact:

Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
dan.macdonald@nullgov.yk.ca

Shari-Lynn MacLellan
Communications, Aboriginal Relations
867-455-2118
shari-lynn.maclellan@nullgov.yk.ca

Stephanie Brown
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9223
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net

For electronic copy, click here.