This is a joint news release between the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.
The Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon are partnering to establish a new Yukon First Nation group home to support Indigenous children in care in the Yukon.
Auntie’s House will provide a 24-hour staffed, culturally grounded home for sibling groups, with a focus on stability and strengthening connections to culture, community and family. The initiative is being delivered through funding from the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations and is expected to begin operations in the coming weeks.
The program is designed as an alternative to government-operated group homes by advancing a model of care that is Yukon First Nation-led and grounded in cultural, relational and trauma-informed approaches. The model aims to provide a safe and stable environment tailored to the needs of children and youth.
This initiative is being implemented as a pilot to support the development and evaluation of Yukon First Nations-led care models in the Yukon. The pilot will allow the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon to assess outcomes related to placement stability, cultural continuity and the wellbeing of children in care.
For many years, Yukon First Nations have called for approaches to child welfare that reflect our cultures, values and ways of caring for children. Auntie's House represents an important step toward Yukon First Nation-led care that keeps culture, community and relationships at the centre. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Yukon on this pilot and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for children and families.
The Auditor General’s report highlighted the need to strengthen how services are delivered to children and youth in care, including improving culturally appropriate care and supports. This initiative reflects action to address those findings.
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The agreement spans June 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with a total value of $1,474,060.12, including start-up and prorated operating costs.
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A portion of costs is expected to be offset through federal funding under Indigenous Services Canada’s First Nations Child and Family Services program.
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Federal cost recovery is based on a per diem rate for children in care placements.
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The initiative is being implemented as a pilot to inform future decisions on Indigenous-led care models.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
[email protected]
Stephanie Joe
Communications advisor, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 extension 9223
[email protected]