The Community Development Fund has awarded a total of $133,279 in funding to eight community projects which will provide social, cultural and economic benefits to Yukoners and Yukon communities. The Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon, Les EssentiElles, Snowboard Yukon Association and Inclusion Yukon Society are just a few of the recipients of the most recent round of Tier 1 funding from the Community Development Fund.
The next deadline to apply for Tier 1 funding, for projects $20,000 and under, is October 17, 2022. The next deadline to apply for Tier 2 funding, for projects between $20,000 and $75,000, is April 17, 2023.
The Community Development Fund supports local projects and initiatives that strengthen Yukon communities and provide benefits for Yukoners. A number of exciting projects are receiving funding, including the Snowboard Yukon Association’s project to create a slalom course at Mount Sima that will bring more people to the territory and support the Arctic Winter Games and Paralympics. I invite all Yukoners to learn more about the Community Development Fund and how it may assist their projects and strengthen our territory.
As a small organization, we often rely on grants to purchase our activity materials. Our Yukon Taiko drumming group has been growing, so having two more taikos is a huge deal for our association, as it allows us to challenge ourselves to play more complex and fun songs. JCAY has been grateful to share the Japanese culture in the Yukon community.
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The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that offer long-term, sustainable, cultural, social and economic benefits for Yukon communities.
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Funding is divided into three tiers with the following application deadlines:
- Tier 1: Applications of $20,000 or less on January 15, May 15, July 15 and October 15.
- Tier 2: Applications between $20,001 and $75,000 on April 15 and September 15.
- Tier 3: Applications over $75,000 on January 15.
The Community Development Fund has awarded a total of $133,279 in Tier 1 funding to eight projects that support Yukon communities.
Liard First Nation – $20,000 – To revitalize and repair the Upper Liard Cemetery and its vicinity. This project will restore an important historical and cultural site used for Kaska burials and ceremonies honouring those who have passed. The restorations will create short-term employment opportunities for individuals and provide youth with skills, knowledge and experience in safe carpentry work and brush clearing.
Contact: Martina Volfova 867-536-5200, Jesse Johnston 867-332-6589
Snowboard Yukon Association – $12,335 – To create a permanent banked slalom course at Mount Sima for more athletes to practise and train for events at the Arctic Winter Games and Paralympics. This project will provide more recreational activity options to the general public with the potential to generate local spending and create long-term employment through increased use of Mount Sima.
Contact: Norm Curzon 867-334-3585
Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon (JCAY) – $7,425 – To purchase two new Nagado drums, complete with stands and cases, for the Japanese Drumming Group “Yukon Taiko”. Taiko drumming is a well-known and widespread Japanese art form, appearing in many parts of the world, including the Yukon. While promoting, preserving and increasing the understanding of Japanese culture, this project will also help develop skills and knowledge to members of the group and the public.
Contact: Yoko Oda 867-393-2588
Humane Society Yukon – $19,917 – To engage a professional animal shelter consultant to provide advice on a continuous quality approach to improve animal health outcomes, increase work efficiency and improve staff and board engagement and satisfaction. This project focuses on staff training and building partnerships between the society and City of Whitehorse.
Contact: Samantha Salter 867-334-8151
Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation – $20,000 – To bring the First Assist program into Carmacks to hold a two-day hockey camp for youth and host a grand opening event for the Carmacks Arena. The First Assist program is a Canadian Indigenous organization that provides education on healthy life habits through sport. Bringing this program into Carmacks will provide long-term benefits such as teaching the youth social inclusion, focusing on long-term goals, using and developing leadership skills, and providing motivation through sports to the community.
Contact: George Skookum 867-863-6134
Les EssentiElles – $14,236 – To organize a two-day retreat to support Franco-Yukon women in identifying ways to survive and thrive while still living with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will provide opportunities for Franco-Yukon women to network, form lasting bonds in the community and work towards personal goals. This retreat will result in Francophone women being more involved in community events.
Contact: Laurence Rivard 867-668-2636
Inclusion Yukon Society – $19,366 – To replace the flooring in Inclusion Yukon Society’s community space. This project will allow community organizations greater access to a barrier-free space to gather. This project also has the added benefit of hiring inclusively and allowing skill development of someone who faces employment barriers.
Contact: Shonagh McCrindle 613-816-0805
City of Dawson – $20,000 – To purchase, build, and install a new greenhouse as well as renovate the tool shed and replace the raised garden beds at Dawson City’s Community Garden. This project will provide short-term employment for a local contractor and supports food security in the North, while maintaining a gathering space for the community and supporting teaching youth healthy ways to grow food.
Contact: Paul Robitaille 867-993-7400 extension 204
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
damian.topps@yukon.ca