CYFN opens new wellness centre in Whistle Bend

Monday, 17 February 2025 07:14

CYFN Executive Director Shadelle Chambers (left) and Grand Chief Peter Johnston (right) cut the ribbon at the new Family Preservation Wellness Centre in Whistle Bend (Photo: S. Bonell)

New facility provides temporary housing with a 32-bed capacity, as well as Indigenous-led programming for women and children.

The Council of Yukon First Nations celebrated the grand opening of its new Family Preservation Wellness Centre in Whistle Bend on Friday.

The new facility will provide temporary housing and Indigenous-led programming for women and children; particularly women and children fleeing abuse and domestic violence.

Speaking at the grand opening event on Friday, CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston says that compassion is one of the most important steps to community healing.

“Our societies were built on love and compassion. Built around family dynamics,” said Johnston. “We need everybody in this room to be the answer, the solution, to what we’re dealing with.”

The Wellness Centre is set to hit the ground running this week. CYFN Executive Director Shadelle Chambers says that families will be welcomed to the new facility this week, and that they will have access to Indigenous-led programming from the start. Whether a family needs help finding housing or healthy meals for the children, the programming at the Wellness Centre can help them.

“Any family that is accessing the space will be developing their own goal support plan,” said Chambers. “Really, it’s an individual, case-by-case plan that they get to establish their own goals.”

For more information and assistance from CYFN Family Preservation services, call 1-833-364-0509

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport celebrates completion of the main runway

This upgraded runway is more than an infrastructure project – it’s an investment in the future of the Yukon.
Yukon gymnastics centre officially handed over to Climb Yukon and Polarettes gymnastics club

The Yukon Gymnastics Centre, located in Whistle Bend, boasts state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including a spacious gym, dance studio, cutting-edge climbing facility, and community area.
First Nations candidates seek nomination for territorial election

Former WRFN Councillor John VanderMeer and current KDFN Councillor Linda Moen seek nomination with the Yukon NDP, while C/TFN citizen and recent CYFN Grand Chief candidate Rose Sellars seeks nomination with the Yukon Party.
Ember Fire Academy celebrates its 11th year; hopes to move to rural communities

12 women, girls, and people of historically underrepresented genders in the fire service are participating in the weeklong firefighting training and leadership academy at both Ibex Valley Fire Rescue and Hootalinqua Fire Department this week.
Fourth Yukon minister decides not to run in 2025 territorial election

Nils Clarke is the second minister to announce that he will not run for re-election this week alone.
Interchange Recycling collection site opens in Whitehorse

Used motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, used antifreeze, and antifreeze containers can now be recycled free of charge to the public.
Government of Yukon ends Yukon community program pilot

Since its inception in 2020, the Yukon Community Program pilot has facilitated the nomination of 42 candidates.
Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton criticizes federal cuts to immigration program

The reduction has caused operational struggles and difficulties in retaining committed staff.
RCMP seek public's help in locating missing Whitehorse man

Mr. Elric was last seen in Whitehorse on July 18, 2025.
Yukon RCMP leads the way in body-worn camera deployment

The Whitehorse Detachment was the first to receive the cameras, followed by other detachments such as Carcross and Dawson City
Math'ieya Alatini elected CYFN Grand Chief

Former Kluane First Nation chief takes ever the role from Peter Johnston after 9 years.
Watson Lake man charged in firearm robbery

A search warrant executed on June 5, 2025, resulted in the seizure of ammunition, suspected controlled drugs, and cocaine.
House fire in McIntyre contained

Several pets were caught in the house fire. While one cat was fortunate enough to be rescued and is receiving treatment from a veterinarian, sadly, others did not survive the blaze.
RCMP plane crash caused by faulty sensor: TSB report

A faulty stall warning system sensor was the primary cause of the crash. The sensor failure triggered a false stall signal, activating the stick shaker and warning system.
New Fireweed Mental Health unit opens at Whitehorse General Hospital

The Fireweed Mental Health Unit, named after the fireweed flower symbolizing resilience and recovery
Traditional learning camp opens at Whitehorse school

Porter Creek Secondary School students, staff, and community members celebrated the grand opening of Ǹtsǟw Chù Kets’edän Kų̀ on Wednesday.
Yukon Schools introduce online registration for bus service

To be eligible for school bus service, students must live more than 3.2 kilometres from their school and attend their attendance area school.
Yukon Government unveils progress in healthcare transformation with 2024 Putting People First annual report

The report highlights key achievements, including the successful launch of the Whitehorse Walk-in Clinic at Mah's Point.
Whitehorse Emergency Shelter unveils New Artwork celebrating Yukon First Nations culture

Gatensby drew inspiration from a poignant conversation about cultural division, and the piece features contributions from Grade 5 students from Whitehorse Elementary School.
Former Whitehorse City Councillor Ted Laking announces bid for Yukon Party nomination in Porter Creek Centre

Ted Laking emphasized his collaborative approach to governance, stating, "I'm committed to working together with others."

CYFN opens new wellness centre in Whistle Bend

Share

More from CHON-FM Northern News