This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
The Government of Yukon is providing funding to support nurse practitioner services at the Natsékhi Kų̀ Health Centre in Whitehorse in partnership with Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Running from August 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029, this multi-year agreement will increase primary care capacity and provide consistent, local health care for Kwanlin Dün Citizens, their families and other people who receive care through the health centre.
Nurse practitioners are highly trained health professionals who can diagnose, treat, prescribe medications and manage patient care. Through this agreement, hundreds of patients will be attached to a nurse practitioner at the Natsékhi Kų̀ Health Centre as their primary care provider.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving access to primary care, including supporting First Nations-led health services and strengthening team-based models of care across the territory.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation is proud to be able to work as an equal partner with the Yukon government to support the health and wellbeing of our community. Bringing the services of a nurse practitioner into Natsékhi Kų̀ means that our Citizens can access the health care they need within the community and that this care will not only be timely but also culturally appropriate.
We are happy to work with Kwanlin Dün First Nation to expand access to primary care through the Natsékhi Kų̀ Health Centre. This will help connect more people with a nurse practitioner, increasing the number of Yukoners who have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, while supporting a model that is culturally safe and responsive to community needs.
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Natsékhi Kų̀ Health Centre currently operates with two and a half days of physician coverage per week. The addition of a nurse practitioner will increase capacity to address the current waitlist and take on additional patients.
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The funding covers salary, benefits and medical equipment and technology.
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Based on the agreement, the clinic will make efforts to offer walk-in appointments throughout the week to ensure timely access for urgent needs.
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Kwanlin Dün First Nation operates an integrated model that includes counsellors, outreach nurses and home care staff.
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Nurse practitioners can provide a wide range of primary care services, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications and managing ongoing care.
Larissa Winslade
Communications analyst, Cabinet Communications
867-332-5673
[email protected]
Nigel Allan
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-9576
[email protected]
Meribeth Dean
Communications, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
867-334-2012
[email protected]