On Air Now CHON Overnight 6:00pm - Midnight

Now Playing Overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

Yukon First Nations Leaders: Changes Needed for Nutrition North in Territory

Wednesday, 5 December 2018 12:50

The communities serviced by Nutrition North in Canada (Photo courtesy of Government Canada)

Old Crow is the sole community serviced by Nutrition North in Yukon.

Kwanlin Dun First Nations Chief Dorris Bill says changes are like coming to Nutrition North in the Territory after a meeting with Council Yukon Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Federal ministers in Ottawa yesterday.

Nutrition North is a subsidy program that provides Northerners easier access to perishable foods.

Chief Bill says more consultation is needed with Yukon First Nations regarding how these grants are delivered to First Nations communities.

"We did talk about the harvesting subsidy grant that is being proposed and we asked for Yukon First Nation input into how the grant is delivered and what it should look like."

Grand Chief Peter Johnston was also at the meeting, stating more Yukon First Nation communities are needed to be part of Nutrition North as well.

"In our Territory, Old Crow would be the only applicable community for the program... communities such as Mayo or Ross River that aren't necessarily on the connective routes for most transport trucks, they need to be included into the program also to benefit from subsidized and cheaper product."

Grand Chief Johnston also says the program could include a greater variety of subsidized food to meet the needs of more Yukon First Nation communities.

They (ministers) really isolate a lot of the key foundational foods that our people need such as flour and sugar and other things that are used to cook with. There also going to include that as some of the possibilities for subsidies."

Nutrition North was founded in 2011 and helps serve subsidized food in all three territories.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

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
Yukon Government seeks to pause health authority implementation with legislative changes

The CCOH calls the government's actions a "troubling level of government overreach" and demands transparency.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation swears in new leadership team led by Chief Sean Smith

Sean Smith has been re-elected as Chief for a second term, alongside six Councillors
KDFN re-elect's Chief Sean Smith

Chief Sean Smith was re-elected to his position.
Teslin RCMP arrest two following search warrant

Matthew Levi Hamilton, 39, is facing seven charges, including pointing a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.
CYFN's Moccasin Mobile Outreach Program receives national recognition for harm reduction efforts

The award acknowledges the program's dedication to providing essential services, including warm clothing, meals, and cultural support, to those in need.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 25th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson brings a ringside look at the intense training happening in Whitehorse as wrestlers gear up for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.