This is a joint news release with the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate.
The Government of Yukon and the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) are pleased to announce the official establishment of the First Nation School Board. The Minister of Education, Jeanie McLean, signed a Ministerial Order establishing the new school board today.
Today, the Government of Yukon and Chiefs Committee on Education gathered to honour the 49th anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow. On this day in 1973, the seminal document was presented by Yukon First Nations Chiefs to then Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Today, Chiefs gathered in unity to mark the momentous occasion of achieving a newfound authority over education, which their forebearers requested nearly 50 years ago.
The Minister of Education and Chair of the Chiefs Committee on Education signed a Letter of Agreement, which establishes an Interim Governance Committee. This committee will assume the work and responsibilities of launching the new board until trustee elections are completed this November. This is a necessary step to ensure a successful start to the school year for those schools moving to the new school board.
The five members of the Interim Governance Committee are:
- Dr. Alyce Johnson, a life-long educator and former principal of Kluane Lake School and member of Kluane First Nation.
- Erin Pauls, known for her leadership and commitment to building the foundation children need for their learning journey. A member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and currently their Director of Education.
- Jocelyn Joe-Strack, an Indigenous scientist, philosopher, entrepreneur, and member of Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Currently the Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge with Yukon University.
- Mark Wedge, member of, and former Chief for, Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Has held, and currently holds, many leadership roles focused on education, and economic and social development.
- Melanie Bennett, life-long educator, member of the Tr’ondёk Hwёch’in First Nation, and current executive director of the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate.
These members bring a wide variety of experience in the Yukon education system to their roles. The Interim Governance Committee will make decisions to prepare for and ensure a successful establishment of the school board for the 2022–23 school year.
On February 2, 2022, the official results from the territory-wide referendum revealed that eight Yukon school communities in seven attendance areas will be governed by the new First Nation School Board starting in the 2022–23 school year.
The time for reconciliation is now. Yukoners, both First Nations and non-First Nations came together and voted YES to the First Nation School Board so that First Nations can share authority over the management of its schools and offer learning under two worldviews, through localized community control and through the strengths and values of a Yukon First Nations pedagogy.
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief and Chair of Chiefs Committee on Education Dana Tizya-Tramm
Today marks a historic day in the Yukon as we recognize the 49th anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow and the official establishment of the Yukon’s First Nation School Board. Although there is still much work ahead of us, I am grateful for the Chiefs Committee on Education as we continue to work together to advance reconciliation and make meaningful changes for the betterment of all students throughout the territory.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
The Yukon First Nation School Board Agreement was signed by 10 Yukon First Nations in June 2021 and allows for the creation of a First Nation School Board using the processes outlined in the Education Act.
Five appointments will be made to the Interim Governance Committee.
Information on the First Nation School Board:
As of December 2021, nine school communities submitted resolutions and petitions to join the First Nation School Board for the 2022–23 school year. They are:
- J.V. Clark School;
- Nelnah Bessie John;
- Takhini Elementary School;
- Chief Zzeh Gittlit School;
- Grey Mountain Primary School;
- Johnson Elementary School and Watson Lake Secondary School (one referendum);
- Ross River School; and
- St. Elias Community School.
To join the school board, residents of the school’s attendance area as well as parents with a child attending one of these schools voted, by mail-in ballot or in-person, over several weeks in January with a result of 50 per cent plus one in favour.
Information on the First Nation School Board Agreement:
Forty-nine years ago, Chiefs from 12 Yukon First Nations presented Together Today for our Children Tomorrow to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, stating their intent to reclaim their inherent rights as Indigenous peoples of Yukon with the control of education for First Nations as a pillar.
In 2018, the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) was reestablished to negotiate a framework agreement for First Nations education. In 2019, the Government of Yukon and the CCOE agreed to explore the creation of a Yukon First Nation School Board under the provisions of the Education Act. This collaboration resulted in the agreement to establish the Yukon First Nation School Board. This agreement is a first step forward in reclaiming the rightful authority and control over education for our Yukon First Nations and all Indigenous students.
The 2009 and 2019 Auditor General’s Report on Education highlighted that more had to be done to meet the needs of First Nation learners in the territory. Created by the CCOE, the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate provides multi-tiered, wrap-around solutions to these long-unaddressed gaps and failures. The Government of Yukon, CCOE and the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate share the common goal of providing high quality and culturally appropriate education opportunities for all Yukon students.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Erin Scott
Communications, Department of Education
867-334-6052
erin.scott@yukon.ca
Adrianna Wondga
Yukon First Nation Education Directorate
867-333-0173
adrianna.wondga@yfned.ca