The Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations Chiefs and federal Ministers met in Ottawa for Yukon Days on December 5 and December 6, 2022. The joint priorities discussed at this year’s meetings included support for Indigenous languages, the substance use health emergency, land use planning, First Nations housing, Yukon River salmon and the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
This year’s Yukon Days delegation included Premier Sandy Silver; Minister Jeanie McLean; Minister Ranj Pillai; Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill; Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation Chief Nicole Tom; Tr’ondek Hwech’in Hähké Roberta Joseph; Champagne and Aishikhik First Nations Dän nätthe äda Barb Joe; Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Amanda Leas; Teslin Tlingit Council Deputy Chief Alex Oakley, and several First Nations councillors, youth and Elders.
Building off the work happening through the Yukon Forum, Yukon Days provides the opportunity for the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations to use their shared voice to advocate for federal policies and investments that are responsive to the Yukon’s priorities.
I am proud of the way the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations work together to make our voice stronger during Yukon Days. These yearly meetings have allowed us to advocate for our collective needs and elevate our priorities at a national level. I look forward to seeing this cooperative work with the federal government continue in the years ahead.
Bringing our governments together for face-to-face conversations is fundamental to reconciliation and addressing the rights enshrined in our agreements. Finding the path forward on systemic issues that are impacting Yukoners, such as the vitality of Yukon River salmon, lack of affordable housing and the substance use health emergency, requires meaningful engagement and supportive partnerships.
We are glad to have this opportunity to advance topics that matter to Yukon First Nations and all Yukoners. Our Yukon voices are stronger together. And, as we approach the 50th anniversary of Yukon First Nations’ presentation of Together Today for our Children Tomorrow in Ottawa, we are pleased that our government-to-government-to-government relationships are much stronger today.
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Yukon Days is an annual series of trilateral meetings in Ottawa with the Premier, Yukon Ministers, Yukon First Nations Chiefs and federal Ministers to discuss Yukon priorities.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Alexis Miller
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-456-6507
alexis.miller@yukon.ca