Month: February 2022

New agreement between Yukon First Nations Wildfire and government builds on relationship of reconciliation Yukon First Nations Wildfire founding member Frederick Koe says the agreement is “monumental.” Yukon First Nations Wildfire has entered a new three-year agreement with the government of Yukon’s wildland fire management branch.   The plan was to hold an in person signing ceremony to make the unit crew services agreement official, but out of COVID caution, […]

Ross River Dena Council sets election date Those who want to throw their hat in the ring have until next Wednesday to submit their nomination. The Ross River Dena Council is holding an election for chief and four councillors.   Candidates must be on the voters list and have an understanding of how the First Nation as well as the federal and territorial governments work and their policies.   Those […]

CYFN holds gathering to "call the salmon back" The salmon population in the Yukon has been tapering off for the past few years.   Earlier this week the Council of Yukon First Nations held a ceremony to revitalize the territory’s declining salmon population.   Dubbed the “Yukon Salmon Ceremony and Gathering – Calling the Salmon Back,” the two-day event kicked off on Monday and featured a sharing ceremony, songs, stories, […]

Vuntut Gwitchin Government not extending their Community Emergency Act People visiting Old Crow no longer need permission from council.   In a social media post, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government says that after considering the COVID-19 situation in Old Crow, they will not be renewing their Community Emergency Act.   That means people traveling to and from Old Crow will no longer need permission from council and rapid testing is not […]

Anniversary of “Together Today for our Children Tomorrow” marked by making YFN School Board officially official After a referendum vote, the board was established late last month, but now the formal documents have been signed. Exactly 49 years to the day after “Together Today for our Children Tomorrow” was presented to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Chiefs Committee on Education and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean came together to […]

KDFN starting northern Canada’s first residential managed alcohol program “We want to save lives,” says KDFN Chief Doris Bill. Kwanlin Dün First Nation is starting the first residential managed alcohol program in northern Canada through a new supported living residence called Sarah’s House.   The home will house eight men as permanent residents and help them with stabilizing their drinking patterns, eliminating the need for binge drinking, and decreasing their […]

COVID-19 support money coming for Yukon businesses as Omicron wave reaches “critical moment” “It’s going to help out but it’s not a lot of money,” says one bar general manager This morning the Yukon’s Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai announced new supports to help Yukon businesses through the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.   Under the Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Supplement program, bars and restaurants will be eligible for […]

Two more Yukoners lost to COVID-19 The latest deaths are in addition to two reported last week. Two Yukoners have lost their lives from COVID-19, bringing the territory’s pandemic death toll to 20.   Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott announced the deaths yesterday afternoon in a press release.   “I am saddened to announce these COVID-19 deaths in the Yukon and express my condolences to the […]