Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members, Council of Yukon First Nation’s Grand Chief and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met virtually today for the Yukon Forum.
The meeting focused on how the governments can work together to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders discussed health and social supports, the economy, education, treaty rights, and Yukon’s comprehensive reopening strategy, which will be unveiled tomorrow.
Close communication between governments is absolutely critical as we navigate Yukon through this pandemic. The respectful relationships we have built with our First Nations partners through the Yukon Forum have put us in a very strong position to respond collaboratively to keep Yukoners safe. This was a timely meeting to discuss how we will work together to prevent the spread of this virus, support citizens and plan for economic recovery.
Premier Sandy Silver
Keeping our communities and citizens safe is the top concern among Yukon First Nations leaders. Today, we found common ground with our Government of Yukon counterparts on how to move successfully forward with healthcare, education and economic plans in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
The Yukon Forum is a meeting of the political leaders of the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations governments and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
The Yukon Forum meets four times a year.
This is the 14th Yukon Forum meeting since the Working Together Declaration was signed in January 2017.
Throughout the pandemic response there have been regular information sharing calls between the Ministers of Health and Education and Chiefs, First Nations officials and the Chief Medical Officer of Health and officials from the Department of Education Aboriginal Relations and Community Services.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Shari-Lynn MacLellan
Aboriginal Relations, Executive Council Office
867-336-0777
shari-lynn.maclellan@gov.yk.ca
Juliann Fraser
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-456-9200
juliann.fraser@cyfn.net