On Air Now Our Peoples Voices: Haa Shagóon 10:00am - 11:00am

Now Playing Audio adaptation of NNBY's Haa Shagóon Our People's Voices

Listen Live

Edna Mitander is the first ever recipient of the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund

Thursday, 23 September 2021 15:12

By Dylan MacNeil

Edna Mitander (right) receives the Daisy Mason Wellness fund.

"I am very, very happy that I’m going to be able to help other people, especially First Nations,” says Mitander.

In 1905, Skookum Jim put money into a trust for his daughter Daisy and her future children. Daisy died in 1938 without children. The money was then put back into the trust to support Yukon First Nations, and it was the called Daisy Mason Wellness Fund. The Commissioner of Yukon and the Bishop of the Anglican Church of the time were made trustees of the fund. Now over 115 years later, Edna Mitander of the Selkirk First Nation is the first ever recipient of the cash.

Mitander is Northern Tutchone from Dawson and now lives in Whitehorse. She is getting $750 to go towards her education as she attends the Professional Counsellor Diploma program at Rhodes Wellness College in Vancouver.

Mitander was presented the prize by the Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, the Bishop of the Anglican Church Lesley Wheeler-Dame, and Fund Advisory Committee member Adeline Webber this afternoon at historic Taylor House in the territory’s capital.

“Edna, you’re a part of history!” Bernard exclaimed after presenting the award.

She says she is excited to use her education to help others.

“When I think about Skookum Jim and I think about myself as a First Nations child growing up in Dawson City, I was born there, I used to play in the Klondike River and I’d envision him being up in Bonanza Creek 125 years ago. Now his legacy is trickling down to me to be able to spark joy in myself, to be able to spark joy in the future. I am immensely proud of being able to get this and I am very, very happy that I’m going to be able to help other people, especially First Nations,” says Mitander.

Mitander says she was inspired to get into the field after her own experiences dealing with mental health and she wants to help others hold their head high.

She says when her schooling is done, she plans to open her own practice in Whitehorse.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election
Selkirk First Nation announces election results

Jeremy Harper was acclaimed as Chief and Rena Simon as Youth Councillor, effective February 10, 2026.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall

The federal government's First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) funding will end on March 31, 2026.
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal

Repealing the Act without consultation ignores this partnership and undermines progress made
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future

The YEU calls on the Yukon government to engage in honest, constructive discussions with health care workers and their representatives.
The Village of Haines Junction has announced the launch of a new grant program

The project has three separate streams: one to help developers build affordable rental units, one to help developers build new homes for sale, and one to help homeowners build new primary residences.
Yukon's air ambulance program gets upgrade

The new planes, equipped with advanced life support equipment