This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Education.
The Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations governments have signed a declaration reaffirming their shared commitment to improving education for Indigenous learners, advancing reconciliation in education for all learners and continuing their collaboration through the Joint Education Action Plan (JEAP) over the next 10 years.
The declaration was brought forward at the Council of Yukon First Nations 45th General Assembly and marks a renewed and united commitment to working together on shared education priorities through JEAP from 2025 to 2035. JEAP has supported and will continue to support more Indigenous-focused curriculum, language programming, increased cultural safety in schools and greater involvement of Yukon First Nations governments in education planning and decision-making.
Through this declaration, all signatories agree that the priorities under JEAP 2014–2024 remain relevant and will collectively guide the next phase of work. The Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations governments will continue working together on shared education goals while also supporting local priorities.
JEAP supports self-determination and reconciliation in education and aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Yukon First Nation Final and Self-Government Agreements.
We are pleased to see formal commitment from Government of Yukon in pledging to fulfil their role as partners in the tripartite JEAP agreement. Yukon First Nations have known for decades that the work of empowering First Nations students through a revamped education system will create a better, stronger Yukon for the children of tomorrow. We are looking forward to Government of Yukon taking the necessary actions to fulfill this transformative agreement.
The signing of this declaration is a powerful milestone in our ongoing partnership with Yukon First Nations. Together, we are continuing to transform the Yukon’s education system to be more inclusive, culturally responsive and deeply rooted in the strengths and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples. This declaration honours the inspiring leadership, vision and commitment of Yukon First Nations governments and the Chiefs Committee on Education. Together, we are advancing reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous learners receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive – now and for generations to come.
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JEAP was developed under the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding on Education Partnership and first signed in 2014 by all 14 Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.
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JEAP guides joint actions in four priority areas: K–12 culture and language; authority, control and responsibility; sustainability, supports and success; and closing the academic achievement gap.
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The next steps to progress JEAP are collaboratively finalizing the draft implementation plan, establishing an approach to oversight and identifying efficiencies with existing funding, exploring additional funding and resources as needed to support the important work ahead.
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While JEAP provides a shared framework of collective goals, each Yukon First Nations government can determine its own education priorities and initiatives in alignment with those goals. Many of these local priorities are formalized through Education Agreements negotiated with the Government of Yukon. For Yukon First Nations with Self-Government Agreements, this can include additional agreements that support co-governance of education in their Traditional Territories.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Sophie Best
Communications, Education
867-332-6225
[email protected]
Kathleen Napier
Chiefs Committee on Education
[email protected]