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 today at the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre for the third Yukon Forum of 2019.
This Forum marks the second year of implementing the Joint Action Plan of the Yukon Forum. Leaders discussed several shared priorities such as justice, family and children services, and Yukon Days, a yearly meeting of Yukon leaders with federal Ministers in Ottawa. Leaders also received an update from the Yukon Advisory Committee regarding the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The final report of the independent review of the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board was presented to the Yukon Forum. The report includes recommendations calling on all parties to work with the board to strengthen public accountability, improve board oversight and leadership, and build clarity and collaboration on Yukon’s fish and wildlife management structure.
Leaders also discussed the Government of Yukon’s new representative public service plan, which was developed collaboratively with First Nation governments and is intended to increase representation of First Nation employees in the public service.
The Yukon Forum has been instrumental in building a solid foundation of trust and respect between the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations. The Joint Action Plan has focused our efforts and continues to guide our work supporting healthy and vibrant communities across the territory. The commitment by all of our governments to work collaboratively through open dialogue is allowing us to make on progress on issues, such as fish and wildlife management, that benefit all Yukoners.
Premier Sandy Silver
Today’s Yukon Forum addressed a number of priorities for Yukon First Nations, including increasing representation of Yukon First Nations in the public service and strengthening accountability and collaboration on fish and wildlife issues. It is the second year implementing the Joint Action Plan and we feel the momentum that comes from collaboration between First Nations governments and the Government of Yukon.
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Continuing our work together on these matters, strengthens our governments and our territory. We are advancing and resolving important issues creating a positive future for our citizens.
Teslin Tlingit Council Naa Sháade Háni Richard Sidney
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 11th Yukon Forum meeting since signing the Working Together Declaration in January 2017.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Markie-May Bailie
Aboriginal Relations, Executive Council Office
867-456-6051
markie-may.bailie@gov.yk.ca
Juliann Fraser
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 ext.: 9223
Juliann.Fraser@cyfn.net
Jade McGinty
Communications, Teslin Tlingit Council
867-390-2532 ext. 306
Jade.McGinty@ttc-teslin.com