This is a joint news release between Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.
The Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations leaders have met at the 405 Alexander Street Leadership Summit to discuss the future of services and operations at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter and identified next steps.
The leadership summit focused on a recommendation from the 405 Alexander Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations governments. Discussions focused on improving services and outcomes for clients and neighbours, supporting community safety and clarifying next steps for 405 Alexander Street, guided by evidence, First Nations perspectives and community priorities.
A key outcome of the summit was the agreement to go to market by early 2027 to seek expressions of interest for the future operation of emergency shelter services while also exploring potential alternative locations for those services. To support this commitment, leaders also agreed with the advisory committee's recommendation to pursue an extension of the current shelter operations contract to March 31, 2027, subject to required approvals.
The extension will provide stability while allowing adequate time for the advisory committee to conclude a review and make recommendations regarding shelter operations, service delivery models and opportunities for improvement. The possibility of the relocation of services currently provided at 405 Alexander, including shelter services, will also be explored.
The current Advisory Committee membership includes representatives from the Government of Yukon and participating First Nations.
Membership from Yukon First Nations:
- Stephen Mills (Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation)
- Nina Dickson (Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation)
- Janelle Hager (Selkirk First Nation)
- Lauren Gostick (Kwanlin Dün First Nation)
- Ta'an Kwäch'än Council representative (previously Chief Ruth Massie)
Membership from the Government of Yukon:
- Stephen Doyle, Assistant Deputy Minister of Social Services
- Anne Aram, Director, Homelessness and Housing Services Branch
- Jenny Imbeau, Director, Legislation and Partnerships
The committee has met five times: April 23, June 1, June 18, July 24 and August 11.
The advisory committee will continue its work over the coming months, with recommendations expected to inform future decisions regarding the shelter and related services.
I am appreciative of the relationships between the Yukon government and Yukon First Nation leadership. The commitment to a process that centres knowledge and lived experience to create a space at 405 Alexander that best supports community members towards wellness and stability is important and meaningful. I trust that these collective priorities will support the EOI process and any changes in services offered at 405 Alexander, ensuring they are grounded in shared best practices and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Shä̀w níthän.
I would like to thank Premier Dixon and Minister Cathers for meeting with me and a number of my colleagues at the recent leadership summit. It was a comprehensive discussion that centred around the important recommendation of the 405 Alexander Advisory Committee. I am pleased that we were able to accept the recommendations put forward by the advisory committee, which will provide stability for those who need it most. Now as we move into fall, we must continue this momentum as we focus on improving outcomes and creating opportunities for the clients who access the services of 405 Alexander.
We heard clearly from Yukon First Nations leadership and the 405 Advisory Committee why they wanted the contract with the current operator extended for several months. We listened, and agreed to their request to extend the current contract to March 31st.
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The 405 Alexander Street Leadership Summit attendees included Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Math'ieya Alatini, Chief Ruth Massie (Ta'an Kwäch'än Council), Chief Pauline Frost (Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation), Chief Franklin Patterson (First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun), Chief Jeremy Harper (Selkirk First Nation), Chief Russell Blackjack (Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation) and Chief Sean Smith (Kwanlin Dün First Nation).
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The leadership summit was co-chaired by Chief Ruth Massie and Premier Currie Dixon.
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Since the leadership summit, Massie has stepped back from the 405 Advisory Committee, and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council indicates they will appoint another representative.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
[email protected]
Stephen Mills
Co-Chair, 405 Alexander Advisory Committee
867-334-2360
[email protected]