School communities to vote on joining the first Yukon First Nation School Board

Announced June 2021, the Yukon First Nation School Board Framework sets out the process for the creation of a First Nation School Board under the Education Act.

As of December 13, 2021, the following school councils and school communities have submitted a resolution or a verified petition to trigger a referendum:

  • Chief Zzeh Gittlit School;
  • Grey Mountain Primary School;
  • Johnson Elementary School and Watson Lake Secondary School, one referendum;
  • Ross River School;
  • St. Elias Community School;
  • Takhini Elementary School;
  • Nelnah Bessie John School; and
  • J.V. Clark School.

In these school attendance areas, voting will begin on January 11, 2022, and be open until January 27, 2022. Early applications for mail out ballots will open on January 5, 2022. Elections Yukon will oversee the voting process and will provide additional information on voting locations in the attendance areas  on electionsyukon.ca. Official results will be available on January 31, 2022.

Every child deserves to have access to high-quality education that is grounded in community values. By working with Yukon First Nation governments to create strong learning opportunities for Yukon children, we are advancing reconciliation and providing them with valuable skills and experiences that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Our government continues to work with all Yukon First Nations and local communities towards establishing the first Yukon First Nation School Board. As these schools undergo the referendum process, I encourage all Yukoners who are in these school attendance areas to visit electionsyukon.ca to read more about this process.  

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean

Elections Yukon is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent and compliant vote process for the referendum and Yukon First Nation School Board election, which will follow.

Chief Electoral Officer Max Harvey 

Quick facts 
  • The First Nation School Board Framework Agreement was announced on June 3, 2021. It provides a path to advance reconciliation and gives First Nations governments greater authority in the education of their Citizens.

  • Yukoners who are in attendance areas where a referendum is underway will have multiple options for submitting their ballots. Additional information is available at electionsyukon.ca.

  • The full list of school attendance areas is on Yukon.ca

  • School councils and communities will have the opportunity to pass a resolution or submit a petition for the 2023–24 school year at a later date.

Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Clarissa Wall
Communications, Education
867-667-5701
clarissa.wall@yukon.ca

Colleen Madore
Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Yukon
867-667-8940
colleen.madore@electionsyukon.ca

News release #: 
21-491