Leaders meet for first Yukon Forum of 2024

Press Release

16/02/2024

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

Premier Ranj Pillai, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Yukon First Nations Chiefs and Government of Yukon Cabinet members met in Whitehorse today for the first Yukon Forum of 2024.

During the one-day meeting, leaders had productive and wide-ranging conversations. They discussed declining Chinook salmon stocks, amendments to the Wildlife Act and the Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement, and how to best work together to support the work of the Yukon Residential School and Missing Children Project, as well as ongoing efforts to address the Substance Use Health Emergency.

It has been seven years since we collectively revived the Yukon Forum, and it continues to be a crucial platform for governments to present ideas, address concerns, and engage in productive discussions. This collaborative space allows us to explore innovative approaches and solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for all who call the Yukon home.

Premier Ranj Pillai

In our seventh year of collaboration at the Yukon Forum, Yukon First Nations are pleased to witness productive discussions and collaboration on key issues impacting our communities. This enduring commitment, fuels positive advancements in crucial discussions.

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 aims to strengthen government-to-government relations and collaboration on shared priorities.
• Key accomplishments to date on joint priorities include:
  • a Memorandum of Understanding on mining and development of new mining legislation;
  • Yukon Environmental Socio-Economic Assessment (YESAA) Reset Memorandum of Understanding and Oversight Group;
  • the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy within the Government of Yukon;
  • the Representative Public Service Plan – Breaking Trail Together;
  • the establishment of the Yukon First Nations School Board; and
  • the co-developed amendments to the Child and Family Services Act.
• The Yukon Forum meets four times a year. This was the 28th meeting since the Yukon Forum was revitalized in January 2017.

Media contact

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

Brigitte Parker
Communications, Aboriginal Relations
867-332-0004
brigitte.parker@yukon.ca

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

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