Joint news release with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
The Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations’ Chiefs’ Committee on Education are working together to establish a new assistant deputy minister (ADM) of First Nations Initiatives position within the Department of Education. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #62 calls on governments to establish senior level positions dedicated to Aboriginal content in education.
The new ADM will work to establish effective partnerships with Yukon First Nations and implement initiatives supporting the success of First Nations learners. The senior management position will have a critical role as part of the department’s Executive Management Team and will be responsible for the management and direction of First Nations initiatives within the department, which includes the department’s First Nations Programs and Partnerships program area.
Yukon First Nations are essential partners in supporting the success of First Nations students and in teaching all Yukon students about First Nations ways of knowing and doing. This new position will strengthen our partnerships with Yukon First Nations in the spirit of reconciliation while helping to realize Yukon First Nations governments’ collective and individual educational priorities. I look forward to working with the successful candidate, the Chiefs’ Committee on Education and all Yukon First Nations to ensure we have the right supports in place to help Yukon First Nations learners succeed.
Minister of Education Tracy-Anne McPhee
Yukon First Nations have always recognized the value and need in educating our children, in order to develop healthy communities and build a prosperous future. Right now, our kids face many challenges in the current territorial education system. Our children require a different, more effective educational experience. The Council of Yukon First Nations’ Chiefs’ Committee on Education is very pleased to have this new position brought to fruition. This is a good example of the strengthening of collaborative relationships between Yukon First Nations and Yukon Government. We look forward to continuing our efforts to build an effective school system that supports our vision of a system that nurtures our student citizens, champions them, and supports them in becoming strong, contributing members of our community.
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Kristina Kane
The new assistant deputy minister position is being funded through the Department of Education’s existing budget.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Jason Mackey
Communications, Education
867-332-7008
jason.mackey@gov.yk.ca
Jennifer Wykes
Chiefs’ Committee on Education
867-393-9200, ext. 9239
jennifer.wykes@cyfn.net