Yukon and First Nations Governments Present Shared Priorities to Feds

Thursday, 10 December 2020 07:48

In a joint news release, the Government of Yukon, Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations met with federal ministers virtually to advance shared priorities. Themes of this year’s discussions included community safety, First Nations housing, health and salmon management.

The Government of Yukon, Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations met with federal ministers virtually to advance shared priorities. As in previous years, these trilateral Yukon Days meetings are an opportunity to advance mutual interests through a united voice and identify opportunities for collaboration with the federal government.

Themes of this year’s discussions included community safety, First Nations housing, health and salmon management. Premier Sandy Silver and Grand Chief Peter Johnston, along with several Chiefs and Ministers emphasized the importance of respecting Yukon First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements and making long-term, sustainable investments in areas that support the wellbeing of all Yukoners.

"Though Yukon Days looked a bit different this year, the meetings with federal ministers and Yukon First Nation Chiefs provided an important opportunity to advocate for made-in-Yukon solutions to the challenges we face and reflects our commitment to respectful and collaborative government-to-government relationships." Premier Sandy Silver

"Yukon Days enables Yukon First Nations leaders to speak directly to the federal ministers responsible for key portfolios affecting Yukon First Nations. This year’s virtual meeting was an opportunity for Yukon’s Chiefs and Ministers to present joint priorities together." Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

The Yukon delegation included Premier Sandy Silver, Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Chief Tizya-Tramm, Chief Bill, Naa Shaáde Háni Morris, Dän nätthe äda Smith, Minister Frost, Minister McPhee and Minister McLean.

Over the past days members of the Yukon delegation met with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Bennett, Indigenous Services Minister Miller, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Blair, and Northern Affairs Minister Vandal. They will also meet with Fisheries and Oceans Minister Jordan later this month.