Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon hold second Yukon Forum of 2026

Press Release

Leaders representing Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon met in Teslin for their second Yukon Forum of 2026.

Yukon Forum leaders discussed the government-to-government relationship and how they can effectively work together. This included sharing perspectives and discussing commitment to the Yukon Forum.

Leaders discussed the path forward on the health authority and agreed to review the work completed to date and advance health system transformation collaboratively. To support this work, the Yukon government agreed not to repeal or make further amendments to the Health Authority Act in the fall.

Today, leaders participated in an open and productive conversation as we collectively determine how we want to work together through the Yukon Forum. I value these discussions as they are an opportunity for us to strengthen relationships, encourage strategic thinking, identify common ground and generate solutions for all Yukoners. We are making progress identifying our shared priorities, one of which is working together to improve the Yukon’s health care system.

Premier Currie Dixon

Today’s discussions reflected the importance of the Yukon Forum as a space for leaders to strengthen government-to-government relationships and advance true partnership as set out in agreements and shared priorities. Leaders recognized the need to continue ensuring Yukon First Nations perspectives are reflected early and meaningfully in decision-making, and to move forward on shared priorities through respectful, collaborative relationships. This was reaffirmed in the commitment to advance collective health system transformation and halt the repeal of the Health Authority Act.

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Math’ieya Alatini

I am encouraged by the discussion on Shäw Kwä’ą today at the Yukon Forum. I welcome the commitment from the Premier to not repeal or make any further legislative changes to the Health Authority Act during the Fall 2026 legislative sitting. This gives Yukon First Nations and the Yukon government the time required to reassess Shäw Kwä’ą and work together in good faith. We are open to partnership to advance meaningful health system transformation for the benefit of all Yukoners. This work must be grounded in respect for co governance, legislative stability, and good faith collaboration.

Chair of Chiefs Committee on Health and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost

Teslin Tlingit Council was pleased to host a productive Yukon Forum that sets the path forward for our positive working relationship. As a member on the Chiefs Committee on Energy, First Nations and Yukon government are committed to addressing the critical energy challenges we face as a territory. We look forward to developing a coordinated plan to bring forward to the Federal government at Yukon Days.

Chief on Chiefs Committee on Energy and Teslin Tlingit Council Naa Shàade Háni (Chief) Elizabeth Bosely

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 was established in 2005 under the Cooperation in Governance Act and aims to convene four times a year.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca

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

Stephanie Joe
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 ext. 9223
communications@cyfn.net

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