Starting June 30, 2025, the Government of Yukon will no longer charge fees for reclaiming traditional Indigenous names on government-issued birth certificates.
This applies to name changes made under both the Change of Name Act and the Vital Statistics Act and reflects the Government of Yukon's ongoing commitment to reconciliation, cultural revitalization and respect for Indigenous identity. The policy supports Indigenous Yukoners who wish to reclaim their traditional names, including people whose names may have been changed or lost as a result of colonial policies such as residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. In addition, the RCMP and other police services are waiving fingerprinting fees when required for legal name change processes related to name reclamation.
This initiative directly responds to the Call to Action #17 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which calls on all levels of government to remove administrative and financial barriers that prevent Indigenous Peoples from reclaiming traditional names on identity documents.
This is one component of broader legislative changes introduced through the Inclusive Yukon Families Act, which was passed during the spring 2025 sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
Today marks an important step forward on our path toward reconciliation. By enabling the reclamation of traditional names, we are honouring Indigenous identity, supporting cultural restoration and responding to the long-standing impacts of colonialism.
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The waiving of fees applies to legal name changes submitted under the Change of Name Act and related updates under the Vital Statistics Act for the reclamation of traditional Indigenous names on government-issued identification and records.
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The initiative is part of broader amendments introduced under the Inclusive Yukon Families Act, which was tabled in March 2025 and received assent in May 2025.
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The Government of Yukon is working to improve support for Indigenous naming reclamation by increasing naming options available, including the use of single names and special characters, symbols and diacritics.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8342
[email protected]