On Air Now Cool Country Morning 7:00am - 10:00am

Now Playing Hosted by Carl Carpentier Cool Country Morning

Listen Live

Update from Yukon Residential School and Missing Children Project at CYFN General Assembly

Thursday, 29 June 2023 13:02

By Stuart Bonell

Judy Gingell speaks to delegates at the CYFN General Assembly in Klukshu, June 28 2023. Photo S.Bonell

Vice-Chair Judy Gingell discusses the investigation at Chooutla Residential School and warns that the process will be emotional.

Yukon Residential School and Missing Children Project vice-chair Judy Gingell made an update at the Council of First Nations General Assembly hosted by Champagne and Aishihik First Nations in Klukshu, yesterday. The update discussed the progress made in the ground search at Chooutla Residential School near Carcross. Gingell opened by saying that the process of learning what happened won’t be easy, but it is important.

"This may be [an] extremely emotional process, but it is our responsibility to uncover the truth." said Gingell to the delegates. "No matter how difficult it may be, we must ensure the forgotten and lost are remembered and honoured. Families deserve answers."

Joining Gingell at this update was Brian Whiting, a geophysicist at GeoScan who has been focused on finding unmarked graves at Canadian Residential Schools for over a year. Whiting says that, as helpful as the scanning technology and data is, there might not be much found in terms of remains.

"If they were not buried in coffins, in particular," said Whiting, "You know, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, it may be very difficult for our equipment to see what's in the ground."

Gingell closed the update by saying that the Yukon Residential School and Missing Children project will always need more information, and encouraged anyone with any story to get in touch.

"If you hear any of your people talking about the residential school, they need to contact us, because this information helps us decide where we have to go and where research has to be done."

The ground search at Chooutla began June 5, but results won’t be expected for months.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Yukon NDP calls on Yukon government to investigate electricity billing concerns

“Yukoners deserve affordable, accurate, and fair electricity bills, an investigation is needed to make sure that billing is exactly that.” -Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
Youth investment fund supports 13 community projects across Yukon

Initiatives include youth leadership training, substance use prevention, peer mentoring, and recreation programs.
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
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.