Statement from Premier Pillai on the 2022 Arctic Inspiration Prize Yukon finalists

Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to recognize all 2022 Arctic Inspiration Prize nominees from across the North and very proud to see two finalists from the Yukon in the running this year. Each year, the Government of Yukon contributes $100,000 to the Arctic Inspiration Prize to ensure it continues to inspire, enable and celebrate the achievements of the people of the North.

“Congratulations to Shäwthän Näzhi: Recovery Support Program and N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù Traditional Camp for representing the territory among the Arctic Inspiration Prize finalists. This is a tremendous honour and speaks to your commitments towards strengthening Northern communities and working to advance the Arctic Inspiration Prize mission: transforming knowledge into innovative action to create lasting impact for the North.

“Shäwthän Näzhi: Recovery Support Program aims to provide intensive and ongoing after-care support following attendance at treatment programs. The year-long program will blend dynamic healing processes and will include animal and art therapy, energy and body healing, trauma and attachment therapies, and Indigenous ceremony, traditions and wisdom. Intergenerational trauma has heavily impacted Indigenous communities and this work supports their recovery process.

“Another Yukon finalist, this time in the youth category, is N’’tsaÜw Chu’ Kedts’edán Kù Traditional Camp, this project aims to build a traditional camp on the Porter Creek Secondary School campus, helping the school and the greater community to engage in authentic cultural programming. The camp will build capacity in educators, and help students understand and appreciate the value of the cultural teachings they carry with them and continue to learn.”